Diane Forsythe said:
“I have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, ahead of the Spring Statement to urge the Government to increase the tax-free allowance for childcare from 20% to at least 30%, and to remove the cap. This would provide much needed additional support to working families who are struggling with the rising costs of childcare amongst the range of cost of living pressures impacting households.
In Northern Ireland, my DUP colleague, Education Minister Paul Givan, has introduced a childcare support scheme is already benefiting over 15,000 children and easing financial pressures on their families. This demonstrates the positive impact that targeted childcare support can have in helping parents remain in the workforce while ensuring children receive quality care.
Affordable childcare is essential for working families, enabling parents to pursue careers, contribute to the economy, and provide for their children without excessive financial strain. The Government must recognise this and make increasing childcare support a priority in tomorrow’s statement. Families across the UK deserve policies that support them in balancing work and family life.”