Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to help support people with childcare costs in Eastbourne constituency.

The government’s Plan for Change sets out a commitment to give children the best start in life, breaking the link between background and opportunity.

From the start of September 2024, eligible working parents have been entitled to 15 hours a week of early education and care from the term after their child turns nine months. From September 2025 this will extend to 30 hours, matching the three and four-year-old offer to support children right up until starting school.

In 2025/26 alone, we plan to provide over £8 billion for the early years entitlements. This represents a more than 30% increase compared to 2024/25 as we roll out the expansion of the entitlements, so eligible working parents of children aged from nine months can access 30 hours of funded childcare.

As announced at Spending Review 2025, the government will provide an additional £1.6 billion per year by 2028/29, compared to 2025/26, to continue the expansion of government-funded childcare for working parents.

Additionally, the Universal Credit childcare offer supports claimants with the costs of childcare, no matter how many hours they work.

Tax-Free Childcare remains available for working parents of children aged 0-11, or up to 17 for eligible disabled children.