Bridget Phillipson orders review of hidden childcare charges hitting parents
Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, has ordered a review of hidden childcare charges affecting parents. This comes as the government seeks to alleviate financial pressures on households amid rising costs. The review will investigate practices such as non-refundable deposits and additional fees associated with government-funded childcare places.
- ▪Phillipson has requested the Competition and Markets Authority to examine nursery practices related to hidden charges.
- ▪Many parents are reportedly paying extra costs for childcare, despite government-funded hours intended to ease financial burdens.
- ▪Polling indicates that nearly three-quarters of parents are using savings to cover additional childcare expenses.
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Phillipson’s intervention comes as Keir Starmer’s government looks for ways to ease pressure on household budgets. Photograph: James Manning/PAView image in fullscreenPhillipson’s intervention comes as Keir Starmer’s government looks for ways to ease pressure on household budgets. Photograph: James Manning/PAEducationBridget Phillipson orders review of hidden childcare charges hitting parents Education secretary asks UK watchdog to look into nursery practices, including non-refundable depositsAletha Adu political correspondentSun 24 May 2026 13.31 EDTLast modified on Sun 24 May 2026 13.35 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleBridget Phillipson, the education secretary, is ordering a competition review of hidden childcare charges amid concerns parents are being hit with extra charges,…
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