Minister wants free childcare extended to parents on benefits

The Times· July 8, 2026

A government minister is reportedly proposing the expansion of free childcare eligibility to include parents who are currently receiving state benefits. This move aims to provide greater support to low-income families who may currently be excluded from expanded childcare offers due to their employment status. For the childcare and parenting sector, such a policy shift would likely drive a significant increase in demand for early years placements and require adjustments to local authority funding models.

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