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Written question asked by Caroline Dinenage (Conservative) on Monday, 23 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 25 February 2026. It was answered by Olivia Bailey (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.


Childminding: Tax Allowances

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the removal of the wear and tear allowance for childminders within Making Tax Digital on the number of childminders in Gosport.

Answer

The expansion of the early years entitlements is set to benefit childminders. The national average three and four-year-old hourly funding rate for local authorities is increasing by 4.1%, the two-year-old hourly funding rate is increasing by 3.3%, and the nine months to two-year-old hourly funding rate is increasing by 3.4%. Childminders may also benefit from the expected increase in demand for places.

We will work in partnership with the sector to raise the value of the profession, promote continuing professional development and give early years educators the recognition they deserve, making sure childminders are valued and supported with fair reward and recognition and more support from day one.

Maxing Tax Digital standardises the way that sole traders record and claim business expenses. It should benefit childminders, as it means that any business expenses related to childminding will be included in their tax calculations. We are, however, aware of the strength of feeling amongst childminders and those who work with them. We have been talking regularly to Coram PACEY, a professional association dedicated to supporting home-based childcare professionals, HMRC and others to understand the issue, the effect that it is having on the childminding sector and to make sure that the concerns of childminders are clearly understood.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
114824
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Childminding Gosport Tax allowances
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk