Early Education and Childcare Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Early Education and Childcare

Julian Lewis Excerpts
Thursday 4th September 2025

(2 days, 6 hours ago)

Commons Chamber
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Stephen Morgan Portrait Stephen Morgan
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Well, I thank my hon. Friend for that very good question! It was a real privilege to visit his constituency and to see the brilliant work that childcare providers are doing in his patch, ensuring that every child gets the best start in life. He is a real voice on these issues, and will be working closely with me and the team to deliver further change for our country.

Julian Lewis Portrait Sir Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)
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After that tough question, may I ask an easy one? Can the Minister explain to the House what the funding level is for the new places, and in particular whether it fully compensates for an average £18,000 increase in the bills that nurseries have to face as a result in the rise in national insurance contributions?

Stephen Morgan Portrait Stephen Morgan
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As I mentioned earlier, £8 billion will be spent on the entitlement offer this year, increasing to £9 billion next year. The core funding rates do include forecasts around earnings, inflation and increases to the national living wage, but as I mentioned, we will review the funding distribution in due course and will consult on that formally.