The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced the date it will boost childcare payments.
It means low-income families will be able to access increased childcare support worth up to £900 million, according to the government department. This includes a 47 per cent rise in the amount parents can claim for childcare while receiving Universal Credit.
This equates to £951 for one child and £1,630 for two or more children. Alongside the increase being implemented from June 28, the government will also offer to cover the costs for the first month of childcare when parents enter work or significantly increase their hours.
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According to the DWP, eligible parents will also receive up to 85 per cent of their childcare costs back prior to the following month's bills. Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “These changes will help thousands of parents progress their career without compromising the quality of the care that their children receive.
“By helping more parents to re-enter and progress in work, we will be able to cut inactivity and help grow the economy.”
Meanwhile, the Department for Education will launch a consultation in England today (May 31) to tackle what they believe are burdens being faced by the childcare sector. Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing Claire Coutinho said: “Childcare shouldn’t be a barrier to work, but the expense has previously meant parents have had to choose between working or looking after their child.
“We are supporting families with the largest ever expansion of free childcare, making sure that places will be available for parents who need them. This will save a working parent using 30 hours a week an average of £6,500.
“We have already announced plans to boost the amount government pays childcare providers, and now we’re knocking down barriers to recruiting and retaining the talented staff that provide such wonderful care for our children.”
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