Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 23
23
Deferred
Require Government update on steps to secure investor support for the Invest in Women Taskforce.
Recommendation
The Government should update us in its response to this Report on the steps it is taking through its convening powers to get those investors, particularly the signatories of the Mansion House Accord, to support the Taskforce. (Recommendation, Paragraph 88) Networks and support
Government Response Summary
The government's response details its plans for childcare provision and reform, including a Department for Education review, Tax-Free Childcare, and the National Wraparound Childcare programme, which is unrelated to the recommendation about convening investors to support the Taskforce.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
As set out in the Budget, the Department for Education will lead a review of childcare provision. The purpose of this review is to simplify the system for providers and families, making it easier to access childcare and increasing the overall impact of the government’s offer. We are committed to a childcare system that is clear, fair and helps parents balance work and family life. Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) reduces the cost of childcare so that parents, including those who are self-employed, can enter work, stay in work and increase their hours. Under the scheme, for every £8 paid into an account by parents, the Government contributes an additional £2, up to £2,000 per child per year (or £4,000 for disabled children). Support is available until the child reaches age 11, or age 16 if disabled, for families who meet the same income criteria as the Free Childcare for Working Parents offer. TFC can pay for a wide range of approved childcare, including childminders, nurseries, nannies, after-school clubs, play schemes and holiday clubs, ensuring support is flexible and can be adapted to families’ different circumstances. In 2026–27 the Department for Education expect to provide over £9.5 billion for the early years entitlements. More than doubling government investment in the early years sector since 2023–24 through the successfully rolled-out expansion of government-funded childcare for working parents, which will save parents up to £7,500 a year on average. We want all parents with primary-aged children, who need it, to be able to access childcare around the school day. This is why the National Wraparound Childcare programme has improved the availability of childcare so that many more parents have been able to access before and after school childcare, from 8am to 6pm, without them needing to make alternative arrangements. We also recognise the hugely important contribution nannies make to the childcare sector. While we do not currently plan to regulate nannies, as they are employed by parents at home and therefore are an unregulated part of the sector, over the coming months we will set out our plans for reform, including for nannies. Officials will remain in touch with the National Nanny Association (NNA), and we are following with interest the NNA’s petition on the Parliamentary website regarding DBS checks for nannies.