Today’s Budget will make a real difference for children and families, offering greater access and support with childcare.
Since first elected I have heard of, and experienced, the challenges of accessing affordable local childcare. This has been the biggest barrier to many parents returning to work.
To address this the Chancellor has announced:
-
The Government will provide 30 hours a week of free childcare for 38 weeks a year, for eligible working parents of children aged 9 months to 3 years. This will be rolled out in phases from April 2024
-
The government will also provide £204 million in 2023-24, increasing to £288 million in 2024-25, to substantially uplift the hourly funding rate paid to providers
-
The government is also launching a new wraparound pathfinder scheme, investing £289 million in start-up funding to support the expansion of school-based childcare provision either side of the school day.
-
Support for childcare costs in Universal Credit will be made available upfront and the maximum potential benefit for parents will be increased.
I have heard from parents, I have met our nurseries and I have campaigned for changes with ministers, and I am delighted these changes have now been announced. This will support nurseries in offering more subsidised childcare places, improving access and affordability for thousands of families.
You can see the full details and many other announcements in today's Budget here.
