AQW 22817/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 18/02/2025
Answered On Date: 04/03/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance to detail any considerations to increase the financial support provided through schemes such as the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme to better align with the rising costs of childcare.

Answer:

ANSWER

In the Executive’s 2024-25 Budget, £25 million was provided for a range of support measures in respect of early learning and childcare.

This included the local Childcare Subsidy Scheme, enabling eligible parents to receive a 15% discount off their childcare bills (in addition to Tax-Free Childcare savings) where their provider is participating in the scheme. As of the end of January 2025, over 14,000 children had been registered for the scheme, reducing families’ bills on childcare by £5.3 million since its launch in September 2024.

A further £50 million has been allocated to early learning and support measures in the draft budget for 2025-26, and it is for the Education Minister to seek Executive agreement on his proposals.