Concerns raised over Childcare Services website problems

May 25, 2017

Parents are said to be having difficulty accessing flagship website

The government’s Childcare Services website is said to be experiencing technical problems, just one month after it launched.

Run by HM Revenue & Customs, the .gov.uk site has left many parents unable to access accounts for tax-free childcare. Several parents have reported error messages after logging in to the site that read: “We’re experiencing technical difficulties. We don’t know when the service will be available again. Please try again later.”

HMRC said that “the vast majority” of its customers were able to access the site without issue, although it was aware that some providers and parents were experiencing difficulties. It said that more than 1,500 to 2,000 new customers are signing up to the site each day.

A HMRC spokesperson told Under 5: “While the vast majority of customers successfully apply without any issues, we are aware that some parents and childcare providers have been experiencing technical difficulties with the childcare service and we apologise to them."

Neil Leitch, chief executive at the Alliance, said that it is “simple unacceptable” that parents are struggling to use the site. He said: “The knock on effect of the problems parents are encountering will be that payments to providers are delayed. This is a slap in the face for the sector, as many providers are already struggling due to persistent underfunding and rising business costs.”

HMRC advised: “We investigate and act on these issues as soon as they’re bought to our attention and anyone experiencing problems can call our dedicated helpline on 0300 123 4097.”

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