Hunt’s £4bn childcare boost welcomed but fears remain for struggling sector

Campaigners call for fully funded system saying free 30 hours of support would take years to filter through

• Budget 2023 live: reaction
• Key points at a glance

Campaigners, parents and the early-years sector in England have welcomed a major extension of state support for childcare costs, but warned that the plans would take years to come into effect and fail without sufficient funding.

In a move that was met with delight by parents but given a cautious welcome by campaigners, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed a £4bn expansion of free 30 hours of childcare for all preschool children from nine months from 2025, and promised extended wraparound care for school-age children by 2026.