WIREDGOV

New childcare proposals should do more for the poorest families

“Our research shows that childcare costs have risen by 37% in the last five years, so we welcome the government taking steps to tackle this huge expense for families, and especially welcome the inclusion of all families on Universal Credit.

However, it is worrying that the money used to fund extra support for childcare for low income families through Universal Credit will be offset by savings elsewhere within Universal Credit. Of the new childcare funding, £750 million is being used for tax free childcare for potentially very high earners - only £200 million will support those who are worse off. Funding for childcare for poorer families must be prioritised. In the longer term, we need to reform the current patchwork of childcare funding.”