HC Deb 15 July 2002 vol 389 cc127-8W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assistance is given to parents to help with child care costs. [68255]

Margaret Hodge

I have been asked to reply.

Working parents, subject to the level of their income, may receive support through the child care tax credit element of the working families tax credit or the disabled person's tax credit for eligible child care costs. This offers help with up to 70 per cent. of costs up to £135 a week for one child or £200 a week for two or more children. Support is also available through various grants and access funds for parents studying further and higher education, for participants on the New Deals and those receiving job seekers allowance.

Students in higher education in England may be entitled to the HE child care grant, which provides—during term time and short vacations—an 85 per cent. contribution towards the costs of 'approved' care up to a maximum of £135 per week for one child and £200 per week for two or more children. In the long vacation a 70 per cent. rate applies. Students in further education can apply to colleges for funding from a ring fenced national FE child care support fund of £30 million in 2001–02. £25 million was available in 2000–01.

Lone parents participating in the New Deal for lone parents programme, can receive assistance with the costs of registered child care while attending job interviews, approved training or meetings with their personal adviser.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much has been allocated for the National Childcare Strategy; and what measures there are to monitor spending. [68253]

Margaret Hodge

I have been asked to reply.

Since 1998, £498 million has been allocated to Early Years Development and Childcare Partnerships (EYDCPs) under the NCS. The bulk of the funding is paid quarterly in arrears, based on claims submitted by the relevant local authorities for expenditure in line with their approved plans.

Payments are offset against the funds allocated to each Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and expenditure is monitored against the relevant targets in their agreed plans.

NCS questions for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should be taken up with the appropriate assembly.