Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 35
35
Not Addressed
Current tax and support systems fail to accommodate self-employed mothers adequately.
Conclusion
Current tax and support systems are largely designed for traditional employment models and fail to accommodate the realities of self- employment and entrepreneurship. This not only places an unfair financial burden on entrepreneurial mothers but also reinforces outdated assumptions about gender roles and business viability. (Conclusion, Paragraph 136)
Government Response Summary
The government's response did not directly address the conclusion regarding the design of tax and support systems for self-employment and entrepreneurship, instead focusing primarily on existing and future childcare provisions.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
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.