Budget 2027 childcare changes will help families in Longford keep more of what they earn, says local TD
Local TD Micheál Carrigy is encouraging parents in Longford to check how the Budget 2027 changes will affect their bill and to ensure they are receiving the National Childcare Scheme support they are entitled to
LOWER childcare fee limits and increased subsidies announced in Budget 2027 will help reduce costs for families in Longford.
From September 2027, childcare providers participating in the Government’s Core Funding scheme will operate within lower maximum fee limits. The National Childcare Scheme universal subsidy will also increase from €2.14 to €2.50 an hour for children up to and including senior infants, covering up to 45 hours a week.
Deputy Micheál Carrigy commented:
“Childcare is one of the biggest bills facing families in Longford. Fine Gael wants to reward work and bring down the everyday costs that put household budgets under pressure.
“These changes will help in two ways; by lowering the maximum fees participating providers can charge and by increasing the subsidy for younger children.
“For example, a family using 45 hours of childcare a week for a child up to and including senior infants, currently paying the maximum fee and receiving the universal subsidy, will see their weekly bill fall from €183.70 to €137.50. That is a saving of approximately €2,200 over 48 weeks,” added the Longford TD.
“It is important that parents understand how this applies to their circumstances. Many providers already charge below the new fee limits, so those limits will not require every provider to reduce their fees. However, eligible families with children up to and including senior infants will still benefit from the increased universal subsidy.
“Children in first class and above can also benefit from the lower fee limits where their provider currently charges above them, although the increased universal subsidy does not apply to this age group.
“The saving for each family will depend on their provider’s fees, the hours of childcare they use and their subsidy entitlement.
“The lower income threshold for maximum income-assessed subsidies will also rise from €34,000 to €38,500, allowing more lower-income families to qualify for the highest level of support.”
Deputy Carrigy concluded: “Fine Gael is committed to making childcare more affordable. I encourage parents in Longford to check how these changes will affect their bill and to ensure they are receiving the National Childcare Scheme support they are entitled to.”