Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Free Childcare Entitlement Uptake For Universal Credit Recipients

23 November 2022 · 0 other contributors · 191 words

Opened by Guy Opperman Con Hexham

Responding minister: Not recorded

Benefits & WelfareChildren & Families

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Guy Opperman raised concerns about free childcare entitlement uptake for universal credit recipients in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • The hon. Member highlights challenges parents on universal credit face with childcare costs when entering employment.
  • The Government offers 570 hours of free childcare per year plus an additional 15 hours for up to 38 weeks to support children's development.
  • The hon. Member calls upon Members of Parliament to increase awareness and uptake of childcare benefits among those on universal credit.

Key requests to Government

The hon. Member calls upon Members of Parliament to play a significant role in increasing awareness and uptake of childcare benefits available to parents on universal credit.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Guy Opperman Con Hexham

The hon. Member highlights the challenges parents face with childcare costs when entering employment, particularly for those on universal credit. The Government's 13 hours of free childcare offer is intended to help manage these costs and support children's development, providing all parents of three to four-year-olds in England with 570 hours of free childcare per year, plus an additional 15 hours for up to 38 weeks per year. However, the take-up rate for this benefit among those on universal credit is low.

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