Cumberland Council considers charging 23 per cent more for child care

Child care might be free during the coronavirus pandemic but western Sydney parents could soon be forced to fork out 23 per cent extra in fees a day if eye-watering prices are adopted.

Added pressure could be placed on families using Cumberland Council childcare centres. Picture: istock

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Cumberland Council plans to increase fees at its 17 childcare centres by up to 23 per cent in the next financial year.

That means families could be forced to pay up to $120 a day — $23 more — if the plans are adopted from July 1.

Parents with children aged three to five could fork out an $18 extra a day, or an 18 per cent hike, but families with children aged three and under will be the hardest hit and could pay the extra $23 a day if a 23.7 per cent rise is approved, taking the total to $120 daily.

Councillor Lisa Lake is concerned about the pressure increased fees would place on families. Picture: Angelo Velardo

Cumberland councillor Lisa Lake expressed concerns over the “drastic” increase of fees.

“From a personal perspective, I am fearful that these fee increases if implemented, will be beyond the financial reach of many of our local parents and carers,’’ she said.

“They’ll be passing for these fees to take affect when people are trying to recover from the economic affects of COVID.’’

But Cumberland Council general manager Hamish McNulty said the council was subsidising its childcare services to about $13,000 per child for each full time long day care worker, who was “well renumerated”.

This meant it was more expensive to operate the centres.

“Unfortunately, such a high standard comes at a cost and these costs continue to increase every year,’’ Mr McNulty said.

Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou has changed his tune on the cost of child care for residents.

“What is now proposed ensures that the level of subsidy provided by council for these services is one that is realistic and does not significantly impact other areas of council’s budget, and ultimately the costs borne by ratepayers, including those who do not use our childcare services.’’

Mr McNulty said charges would also climb to meet national quality standards.

“Of the 177 education and care services in the Cumberland local government area, only 58 per cent meet or exceed the national standard,’’ he said.

Last month, Mayor Steve Christou wrote to Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg when the council was on the brink of shutting its childcare centres down during the coronavirus pandemic because the facilities were not eligible for the Prime Minister’s Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package.

Initially, the council was not eligible to participate in the JobKeeper program, forcing it to pay staff salaries and all operating costs while faced with a 50 per cent decline in revenue.

However, after Cr Chrisou implored the governments to recognise vulnerable and low-income families, it was thrown a lifeline and childcare workers are now eligible for the JobKeeper as part of the $130 billion program.

But this week, Cr Christou said the 600 families who used the childcare services were saving between $100 and $105 a day on fees.

“It’s very important to note that most of our families are receiving significant government support,’’ he said.

“It’s about continuing to provide that service and continuing to keep the doors open.’’

Cr Lake said some of the extra costs could be covered by ratepayers.

“I would argue that those overheads should be born by ratepayers like swimming pools and libraries are,’’ she said.

She urged the community to submit feedback into the proposed fees by May 22.

The council will then review submissions before making a decision about adopting or rejecting the increased charges.

● haveyoursay.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/operational-plan-2020-2