Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he expects registration for the tax-free childcare scheme to open; and when the first payments under that scheme will be delivered.

Tax-Free Childcare will provide support to hard-working families for childcare costs. The introduction of TFC will give almost two million families the opportunity to receive up to £2,000 per annum of support per child, via a new simple online system. We will deliver this important support as soon as possible.

HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) are working closely together to ensure that HMRC is funded to deliver Tax-Free Childcare in a way that provides value for money for the taxpayer. The costs of the scheme are yet to be finalised and will be confirmed once the full details have been settled with the appointed account provider for the scheme.