A charity leader’s petition for a review of childcare funding has been rejected by government, despite attracting more than 110,000 signatures.

Pregnant Then Screwed founder Joeli Brearley launched the petition at the end of May to call on ministers to review the cost of childcare places for families in England. It says that families are facing a bull of on average £14,000 a year forcing some parents to leave their jobs or work less hours.

In a month Brearley’s petition received the backing 110,593 people. This has exceeded the 100,000 threshold to be considered for parliamentary debate.

But despite achieving the number of signatures the government has rejected Brearley’s calls for a review.

In its response the Department for Education the government said it is “not currently planning a review of the childcare system”.

It adds: “Support is available to help with childcare costs, and the Government monitors the sustainability of childcare providers.
“We know that the cost of childcare is a key concern for parents which is why the government has made an unprecedented investment in childcare over the past decade.”

Parliament has confirmed it will consider Brearley’s petition for debate and is waiting for a date.

The petition is continuing to run until the end of November.

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