Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people have had their welfare entitlement reduced after completing an application for tax free childcare.

The information requested is not available.

Tax-Free Childcare provides support to parents for their childcare costs. We estimate that around 2 million working families will have access to the scheme.

Parents cannot receive support from Tax-Free Childcare where they are in receipt of Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit or Working Tax Credit. However, families who are eligible for both will have the freedom to choose which scheme best meets their needs

The Department for Work and Pensions continues to work closely with HM Revenue and Customs to ensure the schemes complement each other effectively, and that parents will have the guidance they need in order to make an informed decision on which scheme will provide the best support for them.