Peter Dowd MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, commenting on the written statement on childcare vouchers, said:

“The Government’s shameful attempt to sneak out the date they will close the childcare vouchers scheme is fooling no-one.

“This change, forced through without parliamentary oversight, is the latest sign of a policy in chaos, leaving parents struggling with a complex and chronically underfunded childcare system.

“With tax-free childcare a disaster, the government should listen to Labour, campaigners and even Tory MPs who are urging them to abandon their plan to phase out childcare vouchers for working parents.

“Labour will extend 30 hours of free childcare to all two, three and four year olds, under our manifesto plans to build a childcare system for the many not the few.”