Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between James Cartlidge and Caroline Dinenage

Monday 14th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) (Con)]

13. What progress her Department is making on the provision of 30 hours of childcare to working parents.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (Caroline Dinenage)]

We are committed to ensuring that we have the high-quality affordable childcare that families need, and we are on track to deliver 30 hours of childcare to working parents. We announced a record funding of £1 billion extra per year by 2020; we have consulted on a fairer and more transparent funding system; and eight early implementer areas are already providing more than 3,500 places—one year early.

[James Cartlidge]

Does my hon. Friend agree that the greatest potential impact of extending support for childcare is helping families to make the transition from being on benefits and into sustainable employment?

[Caroline Dinenage]

My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. We must tackle the causes of poverty, and the Government have set out stretching ambitions to remove barriers to work and to increase employment. The 30-hours offer will contribute significantly, helping families with the cost of childcare.