Crawley MP, Henry Smith, has welcomed a major new childcare package unveiled by the Prime Minister today which will help 480,000 families across the South-East region.

The Governments’ new Tax-Free Childcare scheme will provide 20 per cent support on childcare costs up to £10,000 per year for each child via a new simple online system. The limit had previously been set at £6,000. This now means support of up to £2,000 per child per year.

In addition, to help more families move off of benefits and into employment, the Government also announced that it will cover the 85 per cent of childcare costs for around 300,000 families receiving Universal Credit, making sure work always pays.

Henry said:

“For too long it has been too difficult for many families to find good, affordable childcare.

“This announcement is great news for Crawley’s young families. As part of the Government’s long-term economic plan, these measures will help parents provide more financial security for their families, while directing extra support to those children from disadvantaged backgrounds.”