Conservatives Propose £700 Million Plan to Expand Free Childcare

The Conservative Party proposed a £700 million annual plan to expand free childcare eligibility to high earners in England. The proposal seeks to eliminate the current income threshold that removes the 30-hour weekly free childcare entitlement for parents earning over £100,000. Under the new plan, all parents working at least 16 hours per week would qualify regardless of their income level.

Kemi Badenoch described the existing system as absurd, arguing that it creates a disincentive for parents, especially women, to pursue pay rises or promotions. To fund the expansion, the party intends to cut jobs at the Arts Council England and the Environment Agency. This announcement was made alongside a separate proposal to build 50,000 new prison spaces by reducing overseas aid to £1 billion per year.

The Labour Party criticized the proposal, claiming it prioritizes high earners and noting that the Conservatives were responsible for setting the original thresholds.