The chancellor’s early-years promise may seem a tasty carrot for voters, but most of it won’t be delivered until after an election
Wednesday’s budget announcement represents the largest expansion of free childcare England has ever seen, and from a Tory government. I can’t believe that I actually typed that sentence. Extending the 30 free childcare hours to children aged nine months to two years will cost £4bn and will, the chancellor claims, cut families’ childcare costs by 60%. Combined with the intention to increase the availability of wraparound care for parents of school-age children, it could be the news that many campaigners and parents have been waiting for.
When you live in the UK and you start thinking about having a child, or are perhaps already pregnant with one, there is, I think, a moment when you look into what the childcare offer is and realise, with a sinking heart, that between the ages of nine months and three years old you’re basically on your own. Although it’s often necessary to work full-time, as most modern households require two incomes. So unless you have family support, you’re going to need to pay someone if you wish to return to the workplace. And with the second most expensive childcare system in the world and nursery waiting lists that can last years (one couple I know just paid £14,000 upfront for a child that has yet to be conceived but don’t worry, they refund you if you don’t get pregnant): good luck!
Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett is a Guardian columnist
