Universal Credit and childcare costs

Work and Pensions Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 25 Nov 2021 Closed: 24 Jul 2023 Parliament page
The Committee looked into how well Universal Credit supports parents with childcare costs. We focussed on: • The requirement for parents to cover childcare costs upfront. • The maximum amounts that the Government will reimburse each month. • How easy it is for parents to get advice about what support … Read more
8 Recommendations
6 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
4 Letters
3 Events
Activity timeline 12 events
31 Mar
2023
Report published
23 Feb
2023
Correspondence
9 Feb
2023
Correspondence
20 Dec
2022
Report published
6 Jul
2022
Correspondence
21 Apr
2022
Correspondence
20 Apr
2022
Oral evidence
20 Apr
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
2 Mar
2022
Oral evidence
2 Mar
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
26 Jan
2022
Oral evidence
26 Jan
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
20 Apr 2022
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Work and Pensions Committee
David Rutley MP · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Donna Ward · Department for Work and Pensions Mims Davies MP · Department for Work and Pensions Neil Couling · Department for Work and Pensions
2 Mar 2022
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Work and Pensions Committee
Annabel Denham · Institute of Economic Affairs Aria Babu · The Entrepreneurs Network Gavin Rice · Centre for Social Justice Gemma Widdowfield Nichola Salvato Vikki Waterman
26 Jan 2022
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Work and Pensions Committee
Ceri Smith · Department for International Trade Charlotte McDonagh · Save the Children UK Dr Rita Griffiths · Institute for Policy Research, University of Bath Helen Donohoe · Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years Jonathan Broadbery · National Day Nurseries Association Oliver Crunden · Citizen’s Advice
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Fourth Report - Universal Credit and childcare costs HC 127 20 Dec 2022 14 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
4 results
Clear
1 Recommendation Deferred
Fourth Report - Universal Credit a…
The Department is currently exceeding its expected proportion of claimants in receipt of childcare support,...
The Department is currently exceeding its expected proportion of claimants in receipt of childcare support, but it admits that some low-income parents still have difficulty accessing appropriate childcare, for reasons both within and outside its direct control. We recommend the … Read more
Government Response
The Department is reviewing the considerations as to the usefulness of more regular publications of UC childcare data and will keep the committee informed on this decision. Research on 'why take-up isn't higher' has been concluded but is still being quality assured.
Department for Work and Pensions
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9 Conclusion Deferred
Fourth Report - Universal Credit a…
The Government offers support on childcare options: notably, the Childcare Choices website and via Jobcentre...
The Government offers support on childcare options: notably, the Childcare Choices website and via Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches. DWP told us that Work Coaches receive training in advising UC claimants on their childcare options, but our evidence suggests further work … Read more
Government Response
The Department states it does not have any jurisdiction to work with childcare providers and therefore, does not intend to consult with providers, as the regulation of childcare lies solely within the DfE remit. The current system of paying childcare costs on receipt of actual costs paid protects the claimant from getting into debt.
Department for Work and Pensions
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13 Recommendation Deferred
Fourth Report - Universal Credit a…
We recommend that the Department for Work and Pensions consult providers on a way that...
We recommend that the Department for Work and Pensions consult providers on a way that costs can be split evenly for people claiming Universal Credit childcare support.
Government Response
The Department for Work and Pensions does not intend to consult with childcare providers, redirecting responsibility to the Department for Education.
Department for Work and Pensions
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14 Conclusion Deferred
Fourth Report - Universal Credit a…
We heard some evidence on how the Department for Work and Pensions could improve or...
We heard some evidence on how the Department for Work and Pensions could improve or alter conditions in the childcare industry. But we recognise that much of the responsibility for childcare policy sits outside DWP, in the Department for Education. … Read more
Government Response
Acknowledges responsibility for childcare policy sits outside DWP, in the Department for Education.
Department for Work and Pensions
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Government Response AI assessment · 14 of 8 classified
Accepted 3
Acknowledged 4
Deferred 4
Not Addressed 1
Rejected 2
Total 8 recs + 6 conclusions
Correspondence 4 letters
23 Feb 2023 Correspondence to Secretary of State relating to the Universal Credit and childcare costs Report
Parliament page
9 Feb 2023 Correspondence from the Minister for Employment on Flexible Support Fund expenditure
Parliament page
6 Jul 2022 Correspondence with the Minister for Welfare Delivery and the Minister for Employment on Universal Credit and childcare costs
Parliament page
21 Apr 2022 Correspondence with the Minister for Welfare Delivery relating to the Universal Credit and childcare costs inquiry
Parliament page