MPs debate the Childcare Payments Bill

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Nicky Morgan, opened the debate Shadow Treasury Minister, Catherine McKinnell, responded for the Opposition.

• Watch Parliament TV: Second Reading of Childcare Payments Bill
• Read Commons Hansard: Second Reading of Childcare Payments Bill
• Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Child care

Related information

Summary of the Childcare Payments Bill

The Bill introduces a new tax-free childcare scheme to support eligible parents with childcare costs.

Key areas

• The Government would provide 20 per cent support on costs up to £10,000 per year for each child via an online account
• The Government would top up any payments made into the account, capped at a maximum Government contribution of £2,000 a year for each child.

The Bill extends to the United Kingdom. In relation to Northern Ireland, the Bill requires a Legislative Consent Motion of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Progress of the Bill

This Government Bill was presented to Parliament on 5 June 2014. This is known as the first reading and there was no debate on the Bill at this stage.

Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendment papers, on the Childcare Payments Bill and find out how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament.

• Follow Bills before Parliament: Childcare Payments Bill
• About Parliament: Passage of a Bill

House of Commons Library

The House of Commons Library produces briefing papers to inform MPs of key issues. The papers contain factual information and a range of opinions on each subject, and aim to be politically impartial. The Library has published the following briefing paper for the second reading.

• Library Research Paper: Childcare Payments Bill

What happens at second reading?

At second reading the House debates the whole principle of the bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.

The Member in charge or the Minister moves the motion 'that the bill be now read a second time'. MPs then debate the bill. At the end of the debate the Speaker determines whether there are any objections to the motion being debated and asks for the Ayes and Noes.
 
Members voice their opinion, and if no objections are made, the bill passes second reading without a vote. If the Speaker believes Members have voiced disagreement, a division is called and a vote taken.

What happens after second reading?

If the motion at second reading is agreed to, the Bill will go to a Public Bill Committee for consideration.

Watching proceedings from the public gallery

UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.

• How to attend a debate in the Chamber or in Westminster Hall

 
This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.