In his speech to the Labour Party Conference earlier this week the Prime Minister promised to extend free childcare to 250,000 two-year-olds by phasing out tax relief provided though childcare vouchers.
The government claimed that current tax relief measures are largely benefitting middle and high-income families, and this move will re-direct support to those who need it most.
Anne Longfield, chief executive of 4Children, welcomed the move. She said: "This support is sure to be popular with all parents who struggle daily to balance work and other commitments with bringing up young children".
The free childcare announcement was also welcomed by childcare charity Daycare Trust and by the National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), although NDNA chief executive Purnima Tanuku has urged the government to look for an alternative source of funding and maintain tax relief through childcare vouchers.
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