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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Universal credit: Parents can claim more of their childcare costs | Universal credit: Parents can claim more of their childcare costs |
| (about 7 hours later) | |
| Working families on universal credit will receive a cash boost from Wednesday, when childcare payments rise by 47% in England, Scotland and Wales. | Working families on universal credit will receive a cash boost from Wednesday, when childcare payments rise by 47% in England, Scotland and Wales. |
| The rise means parents can claim up to £951 a month for one child or £1,630 for two or more, to cover the cost of childcare while they work. | The rise means parents can claim up to £951 a month for one child or £1,630 for two or more, to cover the cost of childcare while they work. |
| Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride says the change removes "one of the biggest barriers to work for parents". | Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride says the change removes "one of the biggest barriers to work for parents". |
| Labour maintains the plans do not go far enough. | Labour maintains the plans do not go far enough. |
| Rising cost | Rising cost |
| Working parents eligible for support pay their childcare costs upfront and can then claim a refund - but the maximum for one child has been pegged at £646 a month since 2016. | Working parents eligible for support pay their childcare costs upfront and can then claim a refund - but the maximum for one child has been pegged at £646 a month since 2016. |
| The amount has not kept up with the rising cost of childcare, leaving some parents unable to work as much as they would like, according to a report by a committee of MPs last December. | The amount has not kept up with the rising cost of childcare, leaving some parents unable to work as much as they would like, according to a report by a committee of MPs last December. |
| The rise, announced in the 2023 Budget, is billed as part of the government's strategy to grow the economy. | The rise, announced in the 2023 Budget, is billed as part of the government's strategy to grow the economy. |
| Ministers say improving support for the more than two million parents on universal credit will encourage them into work, filling job vacancies and enabling businesses to grow. | Ministers say improving support for the more than two million parents on universal credit will encourage them into work, filling job vacancies and enabling businesses to grow. |
| Are you on universal credit? How will the changes affect you and your family? Tell your story by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. | Are you on universal credit? How will the changes affect you and your family? Tell your story by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. |
| Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC News journalist. You can also make contact in the following ways: | Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC News journalist. You can also make contact in the following ways: |
| WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803 | WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803 |
| Or fill out the form below | Or fill out the form below |
| Please read our terms and conditions and privacy policy | Please read our terms and conditions and privacy policy |
| If you are reading this page but cannot see the form, visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or email HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. | If you are reading this page but cannot see the form, visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or email HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission. |
| Related Topics | |
| Family & Education | |
| Children | |
| Inflation | |
| Cost of living | |
| Universal Credit | |
| Childcare |