LABOUR accused the government today of “serial incompetence” after it was revealed that it underspent on tax-free childcare support for parents in work by at least £1.7 billion over the last three years. 

The new Department for Education figures were revealed in response to a written parliamentary question from Tulip Siddiq, shadow minister for children and early years.

Just one in six parents who were eligible for tax-free childcare support have claimed it, HMRC data published earlier this year found. More families would have benefited if they had been aware of the scheme and how to use it.