Lockhart Welcomes Extension of Childcare Subsidy Scheme

Carla Lockhart MP • March 19, 2025

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the announcement by Education Minister Paul Givan MLA that the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) will be extended into the 2025/26 financial year, with a 10% increase in the subsidy payment cap from 1st April. 

Speaking on the news, Carla Lockhart MP said:


“The Childcare Subsidy Scheme has been a lifeline for working parents in Upper Bann, helping to ease the financial burden of childcare costs. Since its introduction in September 2024, it has provided vital support to parents with children who have not yet started primary school, offering a 15% subsidy on childcare fees. 


Between 1st September 2024 and 21st February 2025 alone, Upper Bann has benefited from £402,350 in support through this scheme, demonstrating the real impact it is having on local families. 


The decision to extend the scheme into the next financial year is fantastic news, ensuring that this support remains in place for parents who need it. The increase in the subsidy payment cap is also a welcome boost, helping to further ease the financial strain on working families. 


Affordable and accessible childcare is key to supporting parents in work and ensuring children get a great start in life. I will continue to push for further investment in childcare support so that more families in Upper Bann and beyond can benefit from schemes like this.” 


For more details on the scheme, visit: [Education NI](https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/education-minister-announces-continuation-northern-ireland-childcare-subsidy-scheme).

Share

Lockhart welcomes judicial review and peer recognition of burdensome farm tax reforms

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 5, 2026
Confirmation that the High Court has ordered an urgent judicial review into inheritance tax reforms has been welcomed by the DUP’s Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP.

Lockhart accuses SES of paralysing NI’s agricultural planning process

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 5, 2026
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has accused Shared Environment Services (SES) of paralysing Northern Ireland’s planning system.

Stark Cancer Statistics Expose Unacceptable Delays

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 4, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has warned that shocking new figures on cancer treatment in Northern Ireland expose a health service struggling to deliver timely care and has called for urgent action including free travel support for patients and ring-fenced funding to address chronic delays.

Lockhart Praises Community Support at Luca’s Voice Fundraising Event

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 4, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the generosity of the local community after attending a retro 1980s fundraising event at Windsor Bakery in support of Luca’s Voice, a charity supporting families navigating speech and communication challenges.

Lockhart Raises Concerns Over Closure of Santander Banbridge Branch

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 3, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed serious concern following confirmation that Santander intends to close its Banbridge branch in May 2026, warning that the decision risks leaving many customers, particularly in semi-rural areas, without access to essential face-to-face banking services. 

Lockhart Welcomes Delivery of New Steps at Orchard Park - Loughgall

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 3, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed the completion of new access steps at Orchard Park in Loughgall, describing the works as a clear example of delivery in action and a significant improvement for local residents.

Lockhart Marks Holocaust Memorial Day and Reaffirms Commitment to Never Again

By Carla Lockhart MP • February 3, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has marked Holocaust Memorial Day by joining colleagues at Westminster in remembrance of the millions of victims of the Holocaust, reaffirming the importance of education, vigilance and standing firmly against antisemitism and all forms of hatred in society today. The annual day of remembrance serves both to honour those who were murdered and to underline the responsibility placed on current and future generations, with the stark reminder that if a minute’s silence were held for every person murdered, the world would be silent for more than eleven years.

Lockhart Calls for Immediate Financial Support as Local Businesses Left Under Water

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called on the Finance Minister to urgently release emergency financial support for businesses across towns and villages in the constituency that have been devastated by recent flooding.

Lockhart Tables Parliamentary Motion to Honour British Armed Forces

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 27, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons honouring and expressing gratitude for the British Armed Forces, in the wake of recent public commentary that caused deep concern and upset among serving personnel, veterans and their families.

MP welcomes evidence-led UK water reforms and urges NI to follow the facts

By Carla Lockhart MP • January 22, 2026
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has broadly welcomed the Westminster Government’s Water White Paper, outlined this week in the House of Commons by DEFRA Secretary Emma Reynolds, describing it as a balanced and informed approach to improving water quality.