Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether he plans to increase childcare support for self-employed parents.

Universal Credit helps with childcare costs so that low-income families can more easily take up work, stay in work and progress in work. It is available to eligible self-employed par-ents on the same basis as employed parents. Eligible customers can claim back up to 85% of their eligible childcare costs each month regardless of the number of hours they work. This is up to a maximum amount of £1071.09 a month for a single child and £1836.16 a month for families with two or more children.

The Government is increasing Universal Credit childcare support to help larger working families. This change will apply to self-employed parents on Universal Credit. Eligible parents will receive up to £765.07 in Universal Credit childcare support for each additional child beyond the first. This will be implemented in the 2026/27 financial year.

Support is also available for upfront childcare costs through the Flexible Support Fund, where eligibility has been extended to those returning from parental leave to ease the transition back to work.