The new Welsh Government say it is determined to cut Wales’ childcare costs, the highest in the UK

07:00, 16 Jun 2026Updated 07:36, 16 Jun 2026

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The Welsh Government has said Wrexham is the next area where all two-year-olds will be eligible for 12.5 hours of childcare per week. Already Merthyr Tydfil and Newport make the offer to families via their local councils.

Today, a total of £55m of funding has been announced, including the rollout of funded childcare to more two-year-olds across Wales and £10m capital funding to enhance and expand childcare settings, improving the quality, capacity and accessibility of early years provision.

The funding represents a significant step towards the new Welsh Government’s commitment to provide 20 hours of funded care per week for all children aged nine months to four years old. At full rollout, the new childcare offer will be the most generous anywhere in the UK.

The party had previously worked with Labour on a childcare pledge as part of their co-operation agreement in the sixth Senedd. Under Labour, free, part-time childcare was being delivered through expansion of the existing Flying Start Childcare programme

Deputy First Minister for Wales Sioned Williams said: “This investment shows we are accelerating our commitments to the families of Wales. Childcare costs in Wales are the highest in the UK and I am determined to help families all over Wales, while also supporting children’s development.

“I’m particularly pleased that Wrexham is now expanding its childcare offer to all two-year-olds, and we will continue to work closely with local authorities across Wales to roll this out everywhere.

“This is spending with purpose, with every pound working harder for Wales.” For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here

Plaid Cymru has been criticised for not revealing the cost or detail of its plans to provide 20 hours of funded care per week for all children aged nine months to four years old.

The details released today by Welsh Government say that a steering group, titled “expansion of childcare” will advise on the phased rollout, with a focus on workforce planning, digital applications and improving access for all families.