Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much and what proportion was the change in average fees for his Department's sites offering childcare compared to 2024-25.

The Ministry of Defence does not hold fee information related to UK based childcare centrally, and this could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Childcare provision in the UK Defence estate is typically delivered by third-parties, with contractual and charging relationships established between the provider and user. The Department does not routinely monitor or intervene in these activities, nor does it set fees. In certain overseas locations, Defence does operate childcare settings through Defence Children Services; there has been no change in fees at these locations over the period in question.

The Department recognises the importance of accessible and affordable childcare in supporting Service personnel and their families. To that end, Defence provides a range of support measures, including the Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme, which offers financial assistance towards before- and after-school childcare for eligible Service children. The WAC scheme helps mitigate the additional challenges of Service life, such as mobility and deployment, by contributing to childcare costs, thereby supporting recruitment and retention.

In addition to the WAC scheme, eligible Service families may benefit from other government-backed childcare support, such as Tax-Free Childcare and funded childcare entitlements.