Damian has welcomed new figures showing that 8,311 children across Hampshire local authority benefited from the Government’s 30 hours free childcare scheme in the spring term.
Introduced in September 2017, the offer could save working families using the full 30 hours around £5,000 per year per child, and there are now nearly 300,000 children in a 30 hours place in England. It’s backed by a record investment of around £6 billion per year in child support by 2019-20, including £1 billion per year to deliver 30 hours of free childcare and fund the increase in rates that were introduced in April 2017.
Commenting on the figures, Damian said:
“‘For many parents, being able to afford good-quality childcare is essential to working and supporting their families. I know from speaking with people what a difference 30 free hours is making, helping parents to improve family finances and to better balance their home and working lives.”