Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Childcare

Monday 23 October 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • We will be spending more than 8 billion a year by 2027-28 to fund 30 hours of free childcare for working parents
  • We are increasing the rates by up to 200 million this year and 288 million next year
  • We will consider all options to increase capacity in the system

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 James Grundy
Children & Families
Context

The MP is concerned about low-income families facing high childcare costs, which might prevent them from returning to work.

Question

I am concerned that low-income families are facing high childcare costs that might make it sub-economic to return to work. Will the changes being made help prevent this situation?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

We will be spending more than £8 billion a year by 2027-28 to fund 30 hours of free childcare for working parents of children aged nine months to the start of primary school and giving every parent access to wraparound childcare between 8 am and 6 pm.

Partly answered

Not addressed: How the changes will help low-income families specifically

How: Under Labour, Parents Got Just 12.5 Hours For Three And Four-Year-Olds

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Q2 James Grundy
Children & Families
Context

The MP is concerned that the current free childcare offers only partial financial relief and does not cover all costs, making it difficult for low-income parents to return to work.

Question

A nursery owner in my constituency told me how the Government's funding for so-called “free” hours covers only about half of their costs. Will the changes being made ensure that these parents are actually able to access childcare?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

We are increasing the rates by up to £200 million this year and £288 million next year. We will also consider all options to increase capacity in the system.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for low-income families

How: We Have Worked With 10,000 Businesses

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Q3 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Children & Families
Context

A nursery owner in the MP's constituency expressed concern that funding for 'free' hours covers only half of their costs, leading some providers to consider closing. The Early Years Alliance found a third of childcare providers may close within a year due to rising costs.

Question

The Government's funding for so-called 'free' hours covers only about half of their costs and even with the recently announced uplift, rates do not meet needs. A third of childcare providers suggested they may close within a year due to rising costs. What will be done to ensure parents can access free childcare as promised?

Answer from Gillian Keegan

We are supporting the development of new places, increasing rates by up to £200 million this year and £288 million next year. We will consider all options to increase capacity in the system.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions for preventing nursery closures

How: We Are Increasing Rates

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