Ilkley Conservative MP Kris Hopkins has welcomed a new childcare package announced by the Prime Minister which will help 270,000 families in the Yorkshire and Humber region. The new Tax-Free Childcare scheme will provide 20 per cent support on childcare costs up to £10,000 per year for each child via a new online system. The limit had previously been set at £6,000. This now means support of up to £2,000 per child per year.

To help more families to move off of benefits and into employment, the Government also announced that it will cover the 85 per cent of childcare costs for around 300,000 families receiving Universal Credit.

Mr Hopkins, the Housing Minister, said: “Many constituents have expressed understandable concerns to me about the rising costs of childcare and this new scheme is very good news for them and for every parent who has struggled to find high quality, affordable care for their children. “These measures are the result of a major consultation exercise with parents, childcare providers, employers and other interested groups. They will provide greater financial security for families and additional support for children from poorer backgrounds.”