Childcare: I’ll cut costs to boost workforce, says Chancellor Jeremy Hunton March 12, 2023 at 11:14 am

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

The chancellor says the government can make a “big difference”, ahead of Wednesday’s Budget.

Jeremy Hunt

The chancellor has vowed to help reduce the cost of childcare at Wednesday’s Budget, as part of a wider drive to help people into work.

Jeremy Hunt told the BBC costs were stopping some parents taking a job – and said the government could make a “big difference” to ease them.

He has already announced that families on benefits will receive government childcare support up front.

But he said the government would not be able to increase support for all.

Further help for families that don’t qualify for universal credit would be “expensive,” he told the Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme.

He added that ministers “would like to help everyone” – but added: “You can’t always do everything at once.”

The government has already announced a plan to speed up childcare support payments to parents on universal credit will feature in the Budget.

Currently people in England, Scotland and Wales who are eligible have to pay costs themselves and then claim a refund.

The current £646-a-month per child cap on support for universal credit claimants is also expected to be increased by several hundred pounds.

Related Topics

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Jennifer Chapple stabbed to death as children slept upstairson November 23, 2021 at 4:31 pm

Jennifer and Stephen Chapple, aged in their 30s, were killed in their home in a Somerset village.A woman was stabbed to death in her...

Scottish teachers announce 16 new strike dateson November 25, 2022 at 4:27 pm

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) said industrial action over a pay dispute would intensify in the new year.Teachers in Scotland will strike on...

UK economy stutters as health sector drives growthon December 10, 2021 at 7:47 am

The economy grew by 0.9% between August and October reflecting strong growth in services.Image source, Getty ImagesThe UK's health sector and second-hand car sales...

William and Kate don helmets to show off their bike skills in Scotlandon November 2, 2023 at 8:33 pm

The Prince and Princess of Wales rode bikes around a track with obstacles.The Prince and Princess of Wales rode bikes around a track with...

Ukraine war: Who is winning?on September 15, 2022 at 4:44 pm

Ukrainian forces have made rapid advances, but Russia still holds 20% of the country.Ukrainian forces have made rapid advances, but Russia still holds 20%...