Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, Alicia Kearns, is encouraging parents to claim for Childcare Support before it is too late.

Thousands of eligible parents are yet to claim for the Government's existing 30 hours of free childcare offer for three and four-year-olds.

Alicia Kearns MP is calling for parents across Rutland, Melton, the Vale and Harborough villages to apply for the Government's existing offer before the deadline on 31 August 2023.

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said: "I know that the rising cost of living has been extremely challenging for many families in our communities, making it more important than ever to check your eligibility for free childcare if you have children between the age of 3 and 4.

"The cost of childcare should never become a barrier to your career, which is why the Government has provided a historic level of investment to make childcare cheaper and more accessible for families across the country.

"I hope the Government's free childcare offer will provide further support to those parents who are living busy lives caring for children, whilst also balancing a job."

Alicia Kearns is the Conservative MP for Rutland and Melton. Image credit: Alicia Kearns.

At the Spring Budget this year, the Chancellor announced that financial support available to parents to help with the cost of living is increasing, making it easier for parents with children to move into or take on more paid work.

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From April 2024, existing childcare support will be expanded in phases. These changes mean that by September 2025, working parents with children aged 9-months-old to when they start school, will be eligible for 30 hours of Government funded childcare support.

This is the biggest Government investment in childcare in England ever, and these changes are set to save a working parent using 30 hours of childcare up to an average of £6,500 per year

More information about eligibility for the Government's existing childcare offer can be found here.

Alternatively, click the banner at the top of this page to find out how you can save money with the 'Help for Households' government scheme.