AQO 3785/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 11/06/2026
Answered On Date: 24/06/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Finance for an update on discussions with the UK Government on raising the level of tax-free childcare.

Answer:

I have raised this issue with the Chief Secretary of the Treasury at Finance: Interministerial Standing Committee (or “F:ISC”) meetings; and my officials have also engaged with their counterparts in Treasury regarding the Tax-Free Childcare scheme.

I understand that the Department for Education in Whitehall is leading a cross-departmental review of childcare and early years provision, within which Tax-Free Childcare is in scope.

I therefore do not anticipate any changes to the scheme prior to the conclusion of that review.