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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Aletha Adu political correspondent

Bridget Phillipson orders review of hidden childcare charges hitting parents

Bridget Phillipson Sir Keir Starmer
Bridget Phillipson in a dark blazer and purple top holding a burgundy folder outdoors
Phillipson’s intervention comes as Keir Starmer’s government looks for ways to ease pressure on household budgets. Photograph: James Manning/PA

Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, is ordering a competition review of hidden childcare charges amid concerns parents are being hit with extra charges, despite the government’s expansion of funded childcare hours.

Phillipson has written to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) asking it to examine practices including nonrefundable deposits and compulsory add-ons.

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