Petition · past parliament
10 hours per week free childcare for children over 9 months old.
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
Parents are entitled to take 1 year Maternity Leave with 9 months of this potentially eligible for Maternity Pay. In order to assist parents back to work place, they should be offered 10 hours per week free childcare once the child is 9 months or once Maternity Pay has ended.
UK average nursery cost is £1,048 pm (Money Advice Service). Tax Free Childcare reduces it to £838.40 pm. UK average income £1,900 pm (Office For National Statistics). 44% of the monthly income is allocated to childcare. The average wage in Cheltenham is £1,600 pm and childcare £1,300 pm (£1,040 pm with Tax Free Childcare). 65% of the monthly income. Leaving 35% remaining for rent, bills, etc. This is why many remain on benefits until they receive free childcare before returning to work.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
Timeline
| 5 Aug 2019 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 9 Aug 2019 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Rejected
9 Aug 2019
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.