Having campaigned on the issue of childcare, Laura was delighted that it was a centre piece of today’s Budget, and that many of the recommendations Laura, Robin Walker (Chair of the Education Select Committee) and Siobhan Baillie (MP for Stroud), pictured above, made to the Chancellor were accepted.
The key announcement was the extension of 30-hours of free childcare to 1- and 2-year olds where both parents are working. This is package that will be worth on average £6,500 a year to a family with a two year old child and on average will reduce their annual childcare costs by nearly 60%.
This will be implemented gradually to allow the workforce to grow to meet anticipated demand. From April 2024, working parents of 2-year olds will be able to access 15 hours of free care. This will be extended to all age groups by September 2024, and rise to the full 30 hours by 2025.
In addition, the Chancellor announced:
- An increase in the funding paid to nurseries providing free childcare under the hours offer by £204m from this September rising to £288m next year. This is equivalent to a 30% increase in their funding and is the amount that the sector requested.
- A pilot scheme of Incentive payments of £600 for childminders who sign up to the profession, rising to £1,200 for those who join through an agency.
- Families in receipt of Universal Credit will now have their childcare costs paid upfront. There will be an increase to the maximum that can be claimed to £951 for one child and £1,630 for two children.
- The Government will fund schools and local authorities to increase supply of wraparound care for all primary school aged children, so that working parents will be able to drop their kids from 8am to 6pm to fit around working hours.
After the announcement, Laura said:
"I am confident that these reforms will make childcare more affordable and accessible for parents across West Berkshire as well as giving a financial boost to providers and driving up the quality of provision.
"The representations I made to the Chancellor came from the many discussions I have had with some of West Berkshire’s best-loved nurseries including Hungerford Nursery, Victoria Park Nursery School, Newbury and the Ladybird Nursery. I am so glad that their voices have been heard at the heart of the Treasury."
Find out more about the other Budget announcements here.