The think-tank Policy Exchange has proposed a bold alternative to childcare funding for under-threes this week, signalling a clear challenge to the present system. As revealed by CYP Now last week, and followed up in this edition (p13), the Little Britons report calls for the creation of a universal Parental Care Allowance (PCA) of £50 to £60 a week per child. It would be financed through the abolitions of the childcare element of the working tax credit, electronic vouchers for childcare payments and the Sure Start Maternity Grant.