Rising childcare costs

Will it have impact on working mums? Having to pay about $70 extra additional for childcare, many would rather pull out.

The Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports does not regulate matters such as fees, because childcare centres are private business entities, but it does advise centres to keep their fees affordable.

As for whether the childcare subsidy will be revised, MCYS understand the concerns over affordability of childcare services, and have been monitoring the situation closely. They will work with the childcare centre operators to manage any cost increases.

Through the scheme, a family with a monthly income of $1,500 and below can receive extra childcare subsidy.

On the withdrawal of the childcare subsidy for permanent residents, MCYS mention that the savings from that will be used for other government programmes, including any future review of existing programmes.