Furness families to benefit from 30 hours of free childcare 

Parents of children aged nine months to four years old will be provided hours of free childcare.

These reforms will deliver for 1974 families across Furness.

Working parents of two-year-olds can access 15 hours per week from April 2024 and from September 2024 all working parents of children aged nine months to three years can access 15 hours per week.

From September 2025 all working parents of children aged nine months to three years can access 30 hours of free childcare per week.

The package of reforms also delivers further for parents on Universal Credit by paying their childcare costs upfront, rather than in arrears, helping millions of low-income families manage their family budgets.

The entitlement for Universal Credit claimants will also increase to the maximum entitlement to £950 for one child and £1,629 for two children – helping more Universal Credit claims into work.

Simon Fell, MP for Barrow and Furness, said: “Making childcare more accessible and more affordable for parents is key to enabling more people with young families from across Furness into work, to help grow our economy.

“I am delighted the Chancellor is rolling out 30 hours free childcare for all parents, until their child goes to school at aged four. This will help almost two thousand families across Furness.

“By removing these barriers that often stop parents from returning to work, or taking on more responsibilities, ensures working families can earn more money without paying for more childcare.”