Extra child care cash for families on benefits

The amount of child care for which families on benefits can claim is to increase by hundreds of pounds from the end of June.

Under Government's plans to tackle inactivity and help grow the economy, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to raise the amount on June 28 – meaning parents eligible for help through Universal Credit will be able to claim backup to £951 for one child and £1,630 for two or more children. This is a rise of 47% from the previous limits of £646 for one child or £1,108 for two or more children.

The Government will also support eligible parents with their first month of childcare costs when they either enter work or increase their hours, by providing childcare funding upfront.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said: "These changes will help thousands of parents progress their careers without compromising the quality of the care that their children receive.

"By helping more parents to re-enter and progress in work, we will be able to cut inactivity and help grow the economy."

The Department for Education has also launched a consultation aimed at increasing the early years' workforce in England.

A recruitment campaign is also planned for early next year, which will consider how to introduce new accelerated apprenticeship and degree apprentice ship routes.

Minister for Children and families Claire Coutinho said: “Expense has previously meant parents have had to choose betweenworking or looking after their child.

"We have already announced plans to boost the amount the Government pays childcare providers, and now we're knocking down barriers to recruiting.”