In Focus: The road ahead for families in depth

With spending reductions in the pipeline, the reality facing many across the country is a difficult one. Welfare cuts of up to £12bn are planned and there is little sign yet of where the axe will fall - families who are already struggling face uncertainty.

Local authorities, creaking under the pressure, are warning that they cannot cut back further while continuing to provide the services on which families rely.

But there is also reason to be optimistic.

Issues such as childcare were propelled up the political agenda during the election campaign like never before. The Conservatives used their manifesto launch to announce a doubling of existing provision from 15 to 30 hours for working parents of threeand four-year-olds. That will make a real difference to families trying to balance work and family life - and quality childcare can significantly boost child development and improve future outcomes.