The British government is under pressure to reform the help it provides with childcare costs that are among the most expensive in the world, in order to help get more parents back into work
Lowering the age at which government-funded hours of free childcare are provided, to close the gap between the end of parental leave after a baby is born and the age of 3, when most help kicks in.
It estimates that making the offer of 30 hours a week universally available to 3- and 4-year-olds at the improved rate of funding for nurseries would cost 1.1 billion pounds a year.The free hours are currently only available 38 weeks a year, in line with school terms, even though most private childcare providers are open for 51 weeks a year.
The IPPR estimates a full scheme to cover the hours from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., delivered across primary schools in England, would cost around 7.6 billion pounds a year, although as many already have such provision it says the marginal cost would be lower.Those on Universal Credit social security payments are entitled to support with childcare costs which is paid in arrears.
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