Free childcare plan a ‘big win’ for women but campaigners warn more money is needed

‘The new childcare announcement is freedom. That’s the only way I can describe it,’ one mother tells The Independent

Campaigners have raised concerns that the government has not pledged enough money to properly implement the new childcare policy unveiled in the Spring Budget.

Jeremy Hunt announced 30 hours of free childcare for all under-fives from the point at which maternity care ends for those who are eligible.

One mother said the move would give her “freedom” while others warned the policy would not help everyone and questioned if there were enough services to meet demand.