Ricky Durkin

6:30am - 10:00am

Email the studio

Lady Gaga

Just Dance

Listen Live

Harrogate MP calls for 'urgent funding' for local nurseries

Monday, 8 September 2025 12:10

Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Local MP Tom Gordon has welcomed government plans to expand affordable childcare - but warned that underfunding is pushing many nurseries to the brink.

Earlier this year, the government announced new state-funded nurseries, with Coppice Valley Primary School in Harrogate confirmed for phase one by September 2026.

Tom Gordon, Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said he looks forward to visiting the school to discuss the impact for staff, children, and families.

But he stressed that the majority of early years places are provided by private and voluntary nurseries, many facing severe financial strain.

He said:

“While I welcome moves towards affordable childcare, the private and voluntary sector is in crisis.

“Government funding doesn’t meet costs, leaving nurseries struggling and parents paying more.

“This is unsustainable – and ministers must act now.”

Government funding for the “free” 30 hours of childcare falls short of actual costs, forcing providers to charge parents extra – and even then, many are struggling to survive.

The Early Years Alliance warns nearly a third of providers could shut within a year, with four in ten planning to cut funded places for 3–4-year-olds.

Tom has pressed Ministers for urgent clarity on the long-promised review of early years funding.

More from Local News

Harrogate MP welcomes crackdown on illegal number plates

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has welcomed a nationwide crackdown on illegal number plates.
Police appeal after cabling stolen from Harrogate Hospital

Police are appealing for information after a large amount of cabling was stolen from the grounds of Harrogate District Hospital.
Harrogate SEN disco to welcome 120 young adults

An inclusive disco for young adults with special educational needs and disabilities is celebrating its second anniversary in Harrogate.
Sweaty Betty celebrates successful refresh of Harrogate store

Sweaty Betty is celebrating the successful refresh of its Harrogate store following a positive response from customers.
Harrogate cyclists prepare to conquer famous Tour de France climb

Six cyclists from Harrogate are heading to France this month to represent the town in one of the Pyrenees' biggest cycling events.
Knaresborough's Castle Creamery set to relocate

Castle Creamery in Knaresborough is set to move to new premises - and its recruiting additional members of staff.
Police operation to disrupt criminal activity in Harrogate

North Yorkshire Police has reassured the public following an increased officer presence in Harrogate town centre last week.
Harewood House slashes tickets to celebrate 40 years

Harewood House is rolling back its admission prices to 1986 levels as part of a weekend celebrating the 40th anniversary of its charitable trust.
CCTV appeal after motorbike stolen near Harrogate

Police have issued a CCTV image following the theft of a motorbike.
Support needed for Harrogate's first dedicated youth basketball club

Local businesses are being invited to support Harrogate's first dedicated youth basketball club.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP marks 20,000th case

The office of Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has processed its 20,000th piece of casework.
Flavours of Autumn festival to be held at RHS Harlow Carr

A celebration of seasonal food and homegrown produce is coming to RHS Garden Harlow Carr this weekend.
Le Creuset cookware sale returns to Harrogate

Le Creuset is bringing its biggest UK Factory to Table Sale back to Harrogate later this month.
Council pension fund breaches could be reported to regulator

North Yorkshire councillors are to consider whether a series of breaches involving the county’s pension fund should be reported to the Pensions Regulator.
Volunteers invited to help spruce up Harrogate town centre

Volunteers are being invited to help spruce up Harrogate town centre as part of a new four-day initiative.
Police appeal after three overnight burglaries in Nidderdale

Police have launched an appeal following three overnight burglaries in Nidderdale.
Driver admits drink-driving following fatal Pateley Bridge collision

A driver has admitted being over the alcohol limit following a collision which killed 19-year-old Bailey Chadwick near Pateley Bridge.
Harrogate community groups invited to apply for share of £74,000

Community groups and charities in Harrogate are being invited to apply for a share of more than £74,000 in grant funding.
North Yorkshire Council-owned housing company forecast to lose another £5.8m

North Yorkshire Council's housebuilding company is forecast to make a further £5.8m loss this year, with its financial problems wiping out profits generated elsewhere in the authority’s Brierley Group.
New York rock band to play intimate Harrogate show

New York hard rock band Spread Eagle will perform in Harrogate as part of its latest UK tour.