Member

Finally, I am very grateful to the noble Lord for raising and highlighting the importance of affordable and accessible childcare. It has been very close to my heart for many years and now as a grandmother. The Government recognise that access to childcare can affect parents’ ability to work, household income and prosperity. The scope of the “general health determinants” within the Bill has intentionally been crafted broadly; some examples are given, but it is not our intention to set out a definitive list, as that would be constraining. It already includes matters affecting employment, earning capacity and prosperity, and explicitly allows for consideration of any other matters that affect life expectancy or general state of health.