Parents say the plan to offer free childcare to under fives need to come now and not in two years.
With headlines circling on Wednesday morning about the budget bringing good news for families facing 'extortionate' childcare costs, many were hoping for some quick relief.
But while Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed the funding for younger children, it's going to take a long time for people to benefit.
Working parents of two-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of free care from April 2024.
Read more: Spring Budget 2023 LIVE updates as Jeremy Hunt announces free childcare and extends energy price cap
From September 2024, that 15 hours will be extended to all children from nine months up.
But it won't be until September 2025 when every working parent of under fives can access the full 30 hours free childcare a week.
Mr Hunt said the funding needs to come in stages 'to ensure there is enough supply in the market', but parents have told us they need the help now.
One worker, who didn't wish to be named and has a one year old in nursery, said: "The headlines on Wednesday morning would have excited working parents across the country.
"While it is great news for the parents of kids who have not been born yet, those currently struggling to pay nursery costs will not benefit for at least a year. With energy bills and inflation still rising me and my wife still need to decide whether it makes economical sense for one of us to not work."
The announcement has also attracted hundreds of comments from MEN readers, who shared their views on our Facebook page.
"Great news finally but could do with it right now. I got declined a job due to childcare," said one mum.
"Why not this year! People need help now," said another.
In his announcement, Jeremy Hunt told the Commons: “I today announce that in eligible households where all adults are working at least 16 hours, we will introduce 30 hours of free childcare not just for three- and four-year-olds, but for every single child over the age of nine months.
“The 30 hours offer will now start from the moment maternity or paternity leave ends. It’s a package worth on average £6,500 every year for a family with a two-year-old child using 35 hours of childcare every week and reduces their childcare costs by nearly 60%. Because it is such a large reform, we will introduce it in stages to ensure there is enough supply in the market.
“Working parents of two-year-olds will be able to access 15 hours of free care from April 2024, helping around half a million parents.
“From September 2024, that 15 hours will be extended to all children from 9 months up, meaning a total of nearly one million parents will be eligible. And from September 2025 every single working parent of under 5s will have access to 30 hours free childcare per week.”
What do you think about today's childcare announcement? Will you benefit from the funding? Do you agree that the 30 hours free childcare needs to be introduced for all under fives sooner? Let us know your views in the comments.
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