The Labour government has announced that families with children as young as nine months can now access 30 hours of free childcare per week, a policy expected to save families up to £7,500 per child annually. The measure is part of a broader effort to support working parents and boost economic participation.
According to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the expansion fulfils a manifesto pledge and will benefit over half a million children during this parliamentary term. The Office for Budget Responsibility estimates that by 2027, the additional support will enable 60,000 parents to return to work, contributing to economic growth and higher living standards.
Reeves stated that one in five parents earning between £20,000 and £40,000 has already increased their working hours since the government introduced an extra 15 hours of free childcare last year. The policy aims to address the high cost of childcare, which has historically held back parents—particularly mothers—from balancing work and family life.
Alongside the childcare rollout, the government is introducing free breakfast clubs for primary school children, holiday childcare, new nursery places, expanded free school meals, caps on school uniform costs, and additional support through family hubs. Reeves described these measures as part of a 'Plan for Change' to build an economy that works for working people.
