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Written question asked by Alex McIntyre (Labour) on Monday, 15 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. It was answered by Olivia Bailey (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Childcare: Fees and Charges

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent steps her Department has taken to support parents with childcare costs in Gloucester constituency.

Answer

In 2026/27, we expect to provide over £9.5 billion for the early years entitlements, more than doubling annual public investment in the early years sector compared to 2023/24, as we have successfully rolled-out the expansion of government-funded childcare for working parents.

30 hours per week of government funded childcare will save families using their full entitlement up to £8,000 per eligible child per year.

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. It 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.

For 2026/27 the local authority funding rates per hour for Gloucester are:

Under 2-year-olds: £11.35, 2‑year‑olds: £8.37, 3 and 4‑year‑olds: £6.03.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
9723
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Childcare Fees and charges Gloucester
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk