Bridget Phillipson orders review of hidden childcare charges hitting parents

Education secretary asks UK watchdog to look into nursery practices, including non-refundable deposits and add-ons Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, is ordering a competition review of hidden childcare charges amid concerns parents are being hit with extra charges, despite the government’s expansion of funded childcare hours. Phillipson has written to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) asking it to examine practices including nonrefundable deposits and compulsory add-ons. Ministers said too many parents were still being asked to pay extra costs to secure places for their children in nurseries, including upfront deposits, additional paid hours and charges for basics including nappies, meals and sun cream. Phillipson’s intervention – first reported by the Financial Times – came as Keir Starmer’s government looks for ways to ease pressure on household budgets amid the continuing impact of the Iran war on prices across the world, with ministers concerned if families are actually feeling the benefits of government support packages. On Thursday, the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, announced a “Great British summer savings” scheme with measures including free bus travel for