Conservatives propose removing income cap on free childcare in England
The party says parents working at least 16 hours a week could claim the entitlement, at an estimated annual cost of £700 million.
The Conservatives have proposed removing the £100,000 income limit on free childcare in England, saying the change would end a threshold that can discourage parents from earning more.
Under the current system, eligible families with young children can receive 30 hours of free childcare a week. Entitlement ends if either parent earns more than £100,000.
The proposed change would allow parents working at least 16 hours a week to claim the childcare, regardless of income. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the existing limit could lead people to turn down a promotion or pay rise.
The party estimates the policy would cost about £700 million a year. It says it would fund the change by cutting jobs at organisations including Arts Council England and the Environment Agency.
Labour criticised the proposal, saying it would benefit higher earners. The announcement is a party policy proposal; current eligibility rules remain in place.
