Early years leaders are urging the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt to ensure that any additional investment for the sector accounts for rising prices, following reports he will announce funding to reduce childcare costs in the upcoming Budget.
Hunt is expected to announce additional investment to reduce the cost of childcare for parents as part of Wednesday’s (15 March) Budget, according to reports from the BBC.
The funding will be part of a “comprehensive package of measures” to encourage people to enter the workforce, Hunt told the BBC. Announcements are expected to include plans for the government to pay childcare support to parents on universal credit upfront, as opposed to the current system which requires parents to reclaim costs after paying the fees.
