Business rates scrapped for childcare providers in Wrexham under new initiative

Children’s day nurseries in Wrexham will be exempt from paying business rates from April 2019.

The Welsh Government has announced it will provide all registered childcare properties with 100% rates relief.

It is estimated that the scheme will provide an estimated £7.5m of additional support to childcare providers over three years and help develop and strengthen the childcare sector.

The news has been welcomed by Wrexham’s Assembly Member, Lesley Griffiths, who said the rate relief will encourage the childcare sector to grow.

Lesley Griffiths AM said: “Enhancing childcare provision across Wales is a key priority for the Welsh Government and introducing a total exemption on business rates will make a real difference.”

“It will help childcare providers become more established, create new childcare jobs and encourage the sector to grow.”

Welsh Goverment Minister for Children, Huw Irranca-Davies said: “The childcare sector has told us that a total exemption from non-domestic rates would make a real difference to their business confidence. We’ve listened and taken action.

“In addition to the significant investment we’re making in childcare, and the support we’re providing the sector to grow, the announcement shows our commitment to developing a top-class childcare sector in Wales.

“By providing enhanced support for the childcare sector, we will further improve access to childcare places, supporting working families across Wales and make it easier for people to take up and retain jobs.”

The latest announcement follows last month’s decision to increase the pace of the rollout of the Welsh Government’s flagship childcare policy.

The Childcare offer, which is being implemented nationwide in phases, provides 30 hours a week of government-funded early education and childcare to working parents of 3 and 4 year olds for up to 48 weeks of the year.

Whilst the offer is already available to certain Wrexham residents depending on where they live, it will be available to all by January 2019.