PARLIAMENTARY candidates in Leeds North West have been talking about their parties’ childcare proposals.

Labour says it will provide 30 hours free childcare a week for all two to four year olds in a move that has been welcomed by local candidate Alex Sobel.

Mr Sobel, who joined Shadow Education Secretary Angela Rayner at Cookridge on Saturday, November 9 to talk to local parents, said: “Labour’s plan will save families in our area thousands of pounds a year.”

Only some families currently qualify for free child care support for children under school age. Analysis commissioned by Labour found the average parent of a two year old who does not qualify would save more than £5,000 a year under its plan.

The Liberal Democrats candidate for Leeds North West meanwhile, Kamran Hussain, said: “A Liberal Democrat Government will provide a £10,000 skills wallet to be used on education throughout adult life.

“We will also give working parents 35 hours free childcare, from the age of 9 months until four years old, the age children start school.

“Today’s high cost of childcare means that too many parents are unable to return to work without real financial hardship.”