Petition · Department of Health and Social Care

Change free childcare scheme to direct payments into Tax-Free Childcare accts

Closed 1,457 signatures

What the petition asks

We believe the 30 hours free childcare has failed, and that it doesn’t take account of variety of needs or types of settings available. There are reports that settings are starting to pull out. We want the Government to offer a subsidy paid directly into Tax-Free Childcare account for parents.
We feel that the free childcare policy has been a total disaster and that underfunding has meant that settings have had to invent ways of remaining viable, which seem bizarre to parents. Many settings have closed due to the underfunding and we think it’s time to change the approach. We want the Government to put the money into Tax-Free Childcare accounts and let parents choose.

Timeline

24 Apr 2025 Petition opened for signatures
24 Oct 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 1,457
Status Closed
Department Department of Health and Social Care
Opened 24 Apr 2025
Closed 24 Oct 2025

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 1 Aug 2026.