Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Supporting Parents into Work

Monday 13 November 2023 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Greg Smith inquired about steps to support parents into work.
  • The Department highlighted transformational changes in childcare, skills, and training.
  • The government announced 15 free childcare hours for eligible working parents of two-year-olds from April 2024.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Employment Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

The question follows the spring Budget's announcement of transformative changes in childcare, training, and support for future employers. The focus is on steps taken to help more parents enter or remain in employment.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to support more parents into work?

Answer from Guy Opperman

There have been transformational changes in childcare, skills, training and support for future employers. From April 2024, eligible working parents of two-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of free childcare per week from the term after the second birthday. Additionally, there will be more support for working parents of children over nine months with 30 free hours of childcare.

Answered
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Q2 Greg Smith Con Mid Buckinghamshire
Children & Families
Context

The question follows concerns about the Government's childcare rate not covering full costs for providers, making it unsustainable. The MP seeks assurance on scheme effectiveness and support for childcare places.

Question

I am a huge supporter of the bold action that the Government are taking to tackle the costs of childcare and get more parents into work. However, some settings in my constituency report that the rate the Government pay does not cover the full costs of providing that place, putting them in an untenable position. Can my hon. Friend work with me, alongside the Department for Education, to ensure that the scheme is fully working and that the childcare places are actually there to be able to take up this generous Government support?

Answer from Guy Opperman

I am happy to convene a summit with the Department for Education, my hon. Friend and his unitary authority to discuss ways in which we are ensuring that the implementation of the expansion to 30 hours is dealt with appropriately and seamlessly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics on how the issue will be resolved or a timeline for action were not provided.

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