Parents in Birmingham to save thousands through cost of living support

Preet Kaur Gill MP at World's End Infant and Nursery School

• Working parents in Birmingham Edgbaston set to save £7,500 a year as the government provides 30 hours of childcare from next month, setting kids up to achieve and thrive.

• Working Families on free school meals could save over £800 a year as the government invests £600 million into holiday clubs.

A week out from the start of the new school term, Birmingham Edgbaston’s MP is informing parents that they have “three days to save £7,500.”

This comes as the government delivers a major boost for Brummie families by covering more childcare costs during term time and school holidays.

Parents in Birmingham Edgbaston using the 30 hours of government-funded childcare will save up to £7,500 a year, money that can be spent on quality family time, providing welcome relief for working people after years of cost-of-living pressures inherited from the previous government.

Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, is urging families to apply within the next three days, or risk missing out on this generational offer starting in September.

The scheme covering children from 9 months old until they start reception will help more children be “school ready” and set them up to achieve better results in the classroom. This delivers a key priority in the government's Plan for Change – giving every child the best start in life.

At the same time, the government is investing £600 million to extend the Best Start Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme for another three years. This will support children from lower-income families with free meals and enriching activities during school holidays. The programme helps close the development gap, boosts children’s confidence and social skills, and has already reached over half a million children in the past year. It also helps parents save over £300 a year.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said:    

“Giving every child the Best Start in Life is my number one priority, which is why we are delivering on our commitment to provide hundreds of thousands of children with 30 hours government-funded early education. 

“Whether it’s to save up to £7,500 a year, support parents to get back to work or reduce the pressure on grandparents who so often have to step in, the benefits are widespread. 

“The offer is just around the corner, and so I’m urging every eligible parent who wants it, to take it up.” 

MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, Preet Kaur Gill, said:

“I know how valuable the Holiday Activities and Food programme is to parents across Edgbaston, Harborne, Quinton and Bartley Green, so I’m delighted the government is giving families certainty by investing £600 million into these clubs for the next three years.

“I also know there’s more to do to help families with the cost of living. That’s why the government is stepping up and why I’m urging every eligible parent to apply for the 30 hours of funded childcare starting next week.

“There are just three days left to save £7,500 and give your child the best start in life.”