Provide a 'Home Care Allowance' as an alternative to funded childcare

Background

Introduce a Government-funded 'Home Care Allowance', equivalent to the value of funded childcare, for parents who are entitled to but choose not to claim funded childcare hours or Tax-Free Childcare so they can care for their child at home.

Additional details

We believe parents who are entitled to funded childcare or Tax-Free Childcare should be able to choose an equivalent Home Care Allowance instead if they wish to care for their child at home. Current support mainly benefits families using formal childcare. We believe parents should have genuine choice, with equal Government support whether they choose nursery care or provide care themselves. Parents could not claim both.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.