This Institute for Public Policy Research report sets out the economic case for universal childcare for preschool-aged children.

The report argues that affordable, universal childcare is associated with higher female employment rates and the provision of universal childcare should be a strategic priority for public service and welfare reform in the UK. It estimates a net return to the government of around twenty thousand pounds (over four years) in terms of tax revenue, minus the cost of childcare, for every woman who returns to full-time employment after one year of maternity leave.