16466 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

16466 (2026). Hon Willow-Jean Prime to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: Have there been any changes since 1 November 2023 to eligibility criteria, or assessment and decision-making processes, in relation to applications for the Flexible Childcare Assistance; if so, what were they and when did they come into effect?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised that from 1 April 2024, Flexible Childcare Assistance (FCA) was expanded to support more caregivers with informal childcare costs. Other changes included extending the maximum payment duration to 52 weeks, and an increase to the FCA payment rates, which would then be adjusted annually in line with the Consumer Price Index. The Employment and Work Readiness Assistance Programme was also updated to include the Flexible Childcare Assistance Payment, effective from 1 April 2024. I am further advised that from 17 November 2025, Flexible Childcare Assistance was excluded from Youth Money Management. These could now be paid to the young person, their agent (if authorised) or a supplier (as appropriate).