PETITIONOpenPetition · petition.parliament.uk

Review support for single parents to reduce poverty and costly childcare

Parliament must address the growing pressures on single parents, who are often forced to work yet can struggle to afford childcare or basic needs. Limited support can risk child development and deepen poverty, highlighting the urgent need to review financial and childcare schemes and expand access.

Last fetched 09 May 2026 · petition.parliament.uk

Signatures

signatures

Government response threshold (10,000) · 35/10,000

Debate threshold (100,000) · 35/100,000

Background

Parliament should review systems of support for single parents, assessing levels of financial aid and affordable childcare. It should investigate expanding access to subsidised childminders, flexible working rights, and increased benefits. These could ease pressure on parents forced to work. Strengthening community support services and ensuring stable income assistance would help reduce poverty and support children’s development and wellbeing.