Petition · Department of Health and Social Care

Fund a time-limited childcare scheme for all parents with cancer

Open for signatures 2,150 signatures

What the petition asks

Fund a national, time-limited funded childcare scheme for parents undergoing active cancer treatment to cover nursery and before/after-school care during treatment and short-term recovery. Eligibility would not depend on employment status.
Cancer treatment often prevents parents from working, yet most childcare support is linked to employment. Families can face sudden income loss while still needing childcare to attend treatment and maintain stability for their children. There is no national scheme providing childcare based on medical need. A targeted, time-limited support scheme could reduce financial strain and protect children’s wellbeing during treatment.

Timeline

24 Mar 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 2,150
Status Open for signatures
Department Department of Health and Social Care
Opened 24 Mar 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.