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Written question asked by Sarah Pochin (Reform UK) on Monday, 8 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. It was answered by Olivia Bailey (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.


Childcare: Fees and Charges

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of childcare costs on the UK birth rate.

Answer

Coram-PACEY’s 2026 Childcare Survey shows the expansion of government funded entitlements in 2024/25 brought the cost of a part-time childcare place for eligible working parents back to what it was in 2005. They additionally found that the expansion of 30 hours of funded childcare significantly reduced costs for eligible working parents in England, in some cases making part time childcare effectively free during term time.

The department’s 2025 Childcare Experiences Survey covered the expanded entitlements and showed that 13% of parents increased their working hours after starting to claim the entitlement.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
7867
Session
2026-27
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Childcare Fees and charges Birth rate
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk