Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the impact of Universal Credit childcare rules on parents of disabled children who need to book and pay for specialist childcare several months in advance; and whether he has any plans to change the rules to support these parents to work or increase their hours.

We recognise that access to childcare support is essential in enabling parents to move into or progress in employment.

Eligible UC customers can claim back up to 85% of their eligible childcare costs each month regardless of the number of hours they work. Childcare costs can be claimed up to three months in advance but will be reimbursed in the month the childcare is provided. Parents who need help with their upfront childcare costs to move into work or increase their working hours may be eligible for support from the Flexible Support Fund (FSF).