Single mothers fight free childcare ‘discrimination’

A group of single mothers are in a high court legal battle over claims the Government’s free childcare policy discriminates against them.

Free childcare provision for three and four-year-olds whose parents are “in work” was doubled from 15 to 30 hours from last year. But three single mothers and their children, who are only entitled to 15 hours, argue the rules discriminate against lone parents.

Ian Wise QC, representing the women and their children said it was an “unjustified discrimination”.

But government lawyers said there was no unlawful discrimination. Mr Justice Lewis has reserved his ruling.