According to Pouw-Verweij, a price cap leads to lower quality childcare and lower wages for staff. This means that the already large childcare staff shortage will only increase further, says the MP. “We already have too few hands. If we make childcare free, even more children will go. Then that shortage will only increase.’
Furthermore, childcare centers and industry organizations are already saying that a price cap for childcare is not a good idea, Pouw-Verweij points out. ‘The price differences in childcare are very large. Take the difference in mealtimes between infants and toddlers, for example.
He therefore prefers to see price agreements, rather than a price cap. ‘Talk to host venues and industry organizations and agree a realistic price with them. Places themselves are very good at indicating what they need and what they lack.’
Cut
The cabinet actually wanted to introduce free childcare in 2025 but delayed it by two years due to cuts. The delay has drawn criticism from much of the opposition. “We want to see more speed with the introduction of free childcare,” says Pouw-Verweij. “We think it’s a real shame that out of all the things that could be cut, they chose this one.”
Pouw-Verweij wants the cabinet to continue investing in childcare. “We have to do something about this shortage of staff, otherwise free childcare won’t come any closer.”