Source · Select Committees · Work and Pensions Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Acknowledged
DWP maintains that it does not collect or publish regular statistical updates on uses of...
Conclusion
DWP maintains that it does not collect or publish regular statistical updates on uses of the Flexible Support Fund, on the basis that it does not want to detract from its discretionary nature. The FSF is a core element of support for working parents, and without this data, the Department cannot verify whether it is being used as intended. We appreciate that the Department has sent us data for some recent years on request, but recommend the Department commit to publishing an annual update on Flexible Support Fund spending. (Paragraph 45) Caps and maximum reimbursement
Government Response Summary
The Government recognises that high childcare costs can be a barrier for parents to take up paid work and is increasing the UC childcare maximum amounts (caps) of childcare costs payable to eligible UC claimants, with a provisional implementation date of summer 2023.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government recognises that high childcare costs can be a barrier for parents to take up paid work. That is why we are increasing the UC childcare maximum amounts (caps) of childcare costs payable to eligible UC claimants with a provisional implementation date of summer 2023. The caps are currently set at £646.35 for one child and £1,108.04 for two or more children and will increase to £950.92 for one child and £1,630.15 for two or more children. This increase will support parents to move into employment and to increase their working hours. As part of the recent budget, the OBR certified the Department’s costing of increasing UC childcare in line with CPI each year thereafter until 2027–28. However, future uprating of UC childcare will form part of the Departments annual uprating review.