Review support for single parents to reduce poverty and costly childcare

47
signatures
openDepartment for Work and Pensionsby Shanaz AlamOpened 8 May 2026

Background

Parliament must address the growing pressures on single parents, who are often forced to work yet can struggle to afford childcare or basic needs. Limited support can risk child development and deepen poverty, highlighting the urgent need to review financial and childcare schemes and expand access.

Additional details

Parliament should review systems of support for single parents, assessing levels of financial aid and affordable childcare. It should investigate expanding access to subsidised childminders, flexible working rights, and increased benefits. These could ease pressure on parents forced to work. Strengthening community support services and ensuring stable income assistance would help reduce poverty and support children’s development and wellbeing.

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 765222.