Debates between Helen Hayes and Jeremy Hunt during the 2019-2024 Parliament

Autumn Statement

Debate between Helen Hayes and Jeremy Hunt
Thursday 17th November 2022

(1 year, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Helen Hayes Portrait Helen Hayes (Dulwich and West Norwood) (Lab)
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For the first time in decades women are leaving the workforce, largely to take up caring responsibilities for their families. In that context, it is astonishing that the Chancellor did not mention childcare once during his statement. Childcare is vital social and economic infrastructure. The status quo is holding back women, and holding back our economy. What will the Chancellor do about it?

Jeremy Hunt Portrait Jeremy Hunt
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I am very aware of the pressures and issues of childcare. The £4.7 billion increase in the social care budget will make a difference to people with caring responsibilities, with potentially another 200,000 packages, but I want to return to this issue and I take what the hon. Lady says very seriously.