She confirmed that from Autumn 2015, a new state-funded childcare subsidy, worth up to £2,000 a year, will replace the existing employer-funded scheme.
The tax-free childcare scheme, which was proposed during the 2013 Budget in May, will enable parents earning up to £150,000 a year with children under five and disabled children under 17 to claim 20 per cent of their annual childcare costs.
Addressing the House of Lords, the Queen said, ‘My Government will continue to work to build a fairer society.
‘To improve education attainment and child health, my government will ensure all infants will receive a free school meal. Free childcare will be extended to more of the most disadvantaged two-year-olds and a bill will be introduced to help working families with childcare costs.’
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