Parents in Birmingham Edgbaston are being urged to take advantage of a major cost-of-living boost, with new government-funded childcare and holiday support set to save families thousands of pounds each year.
30 Hours free childcare
From September, the Labour government will provide 30 hours of free childcare for children aged nine months to school age, with parents saving up to £7,500 annually.
The initiative, part of Labour’s Plan for Change, is designed to give children the best start in life while easing financial pressures on working families.
Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, said: “I know how valuable the Holiday Activities and Food programme is to parents across Edgbaston, Harborne, Quinton and Bartley Green, so I’m delighted Labour is giving families certainty by investing £600 million into these clubs for the next three years.
“I also know there’s more to do to help families with the cost of living. That’s why Labour is stepping up and why I’m urging every eligible parent to apply for the 30 hours of funded childcare starting next week. There are just three days left to save £7,500 and give your child the best start in life.”
£600m investment
Alongside the childcare support, Labour is investing £600 million to extend the Best Start Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for another three years. The scheme provides free meals and enriching activities during school holidays for children from lower-income families, saving working households more than £300 a year.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Giving every child the Best Start in Life is my number one priority, which is why we are delivering on our commitment to provide hundreds of thousands of children with 30 hours government-funded early education.
“Whether it’s to save up to £7,500 a year, support parents to get back to work or reduce the pressure on grandparents who so often have to step in, the benefits are widespread. The offer is just around the corner, and so I’m urging every eligible parent who wants it, to take it up.”
Parents should act quickly
With the new school term just days away, Birmingham parents now face a narrow window to secure access to the scheme and ensure their children benefit from one of Labour’s flagship policies.
