Recommendation 2

Good quality childcare can have a transformative impact on the lives of children and their families, and a lack of childcare, or support with paying for it, should never be a barrier to work. Childcare is expensive for all, but the pressures are most acute for low-income families and we recommend the Government increase the financial support it provides to them. Additionally, the Department should assess the childcare funding schemes in Scotland and Scandinavian countries, investigating whether their costs are offset by societal benefits such as increased economic activity, additional tax and personal wellbeing. (Paragraph 20) Upfront costs