Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the (a) affordability and (b) availability of childcare on the ability of single parents to look for (i) work and (ii) increased hours.

I am pleased to announce on 7 October we published Universal Credit childcare costs - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and Childcare choices for parents working atypical hours - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) , which provides some insight into the question.

Parents claiming Universal Credit can be reimbursed up to 85% of their eligible childcare costs each month and we provide financial support with upfront childcare costs when parents move into paid work or increase their working hours. They are also able to access the early education entitlements, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each offer.