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I’m Officially Too Old For Hostels — But This £80-A-Night ‘Hub’ Is The Bougie-On-A-Budget Answer To Iceland

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At a certain age, you just have to accept you are officially too old for some things. Now firmly in my 30s, my previously cemented love of budget hostels has expired. Once upon my twenties, a broken night’s sleep thanks to an anonymous bunkmate’s snoring was simply a minor inconvenience; now it will ruin my entire next day. The gymnastics of shuffling in and out of clothes under a bunkbed’s duvet used to be a breeze; now I’d probably end up slipping a disc.

However, my budget doesn’t exactly stretch to my developed taste for ‘comfort over everything’. I’m firmly in my accommodation ‘inbetweener’ era and there aren’t a whole whack of digs that bridge the gap between boutique and budget.

This struggle becomes even more of an issue when you factor in an expensive travel destination like Iceland. A trip to ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’ notoriously comes with a serious price tag, and according to The Times, Iceland is facing a reduction in tourism as a result, with international visitors dropping by 6% last year.

So, how can I make a trip to the top destination of many a travel wishlist achievable on a budget, without compromising on comfort? Well, CityHub might just have the answer.

CityHub Reykjavik

Now, when I say ‘pod hotel,’ you need to immediately banish the thought of those tiny, coffin-sized capsules in Japan. Yes, while CityHub Reykjavik is technically a pod hotel, I can guarantee that you’ve never seen something quite like this before.

CityHub hotels (they also have locations in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Copenhagen) blend private sleeping spaces with vibrant hangout areas and premium amenities at an affordable cost. A concept that is, quite frankly, music to my ears, back and bank account.

Their private, pod-esque if you will, sleeping areas are called Hubs and despite being small, they pack a big punch – we’re talking king-size beds, smart storage that doesn’t compromise on space, Bluetooth speakers, air con and heating. The best bit? You can enjoy this all without the fear of someone cracking the big light on at 3am.

The secret? Opting for an L-shaped pod over the stereotypical coffin. Hubs are a bit like a clever game of accommodation Tetris – one ‘up’ Hub is connected to a ‘down’ Hub, offering vertical space at the start of each that acts like a foyer.

Some clever planning means plenty of space (without a price tag).
Some clever planning means plenty of space (without a price tag).

CityHub invited me to try out their accommodation for myself and honestly, the biggest shock was the silence – I was so surprised at my inability to hear anyone in the adjoining Hub. I’m a tall gal and unlike other pod hotels I’ve been to, I could comfortably sit upright in bed without fear of a concussion. Even with a second person in the Hub with me (ooo-er), there was plenty of space for our suitcases and room to get changed in – we just had to take it in turns.

‘Shared bathrooms’ don’t exactly scream luxury (pause for flashbacks to the horrors of a hostel shower), but CityHub does things differently. You’d be forgiven for thinking that you were actually in a spa while popping to the loo – their Pinterest-worthy bathrooms boast warm terracotta walls and high pressure showers as well as complimentary towels and Rituals amenities.

As for the communal spaces, again, it’s a far cry from the hostel lounges and kitchens of yore. The Hangout (CityHub’s reception, bar and lounge area-in-one) features a self-service system in which guests can tap their own beers and refreshments using the digital wristband they’re given on checking in (which also doubles as your Hub key). Forget someone badly playing Oasis on a guitar in the corner – The Hangout is perfect for relaxing or even working in.

Okay, so when can we move in?
Okay, so when can we move in?

The real showstopper, though? CityHub Reykjavik’s rooftop hot tub. There really isn’t anything like soaking yourself in geothermally heated water while sub-zero Icelandic air whips around you – all with an incredible view of the night sky. If you’re lucky, sometimes it’s even possible to see the Northern Lights from the comfort of the tub.

Thought it couldn’t get any better? Buckle up, because the best bit of all of this? The cost. While the average hotel price in Reykjavik for April is hovering around £156 per night, you can snag a Hub for as little as £60 to £80 – and you could get this price even lower depending on what promotions and discounts are available.

CityHosts

Now, the issue with Iceland trips is that you only have to step outside your hotel and it suddenly feels like you’ve spent £20. It’s notoriously expensive and with endless guides online as to where you should and shouldn’t go, which tours you should and shouldn’t book, it can all be really overwhelming.

Enter the CityHosts – CityHub’s onsite concierge service that does a whole lot more than just check you in. As Reykjavik locals themselves, the hosts on duty will happily help you set up cost efficient tours to experience as much Icelandic culture as possible without the hefty price tag. After all, who actually knows the best spots better than people who live in Iceland all year round?

We were pointed toward a walking foodie tour that let us sample the most iconic Icelandic dishes from local businesses (although I still can’t say fermented shark is for me). And on one (utterly freezing) evening I fulfilled my dream of seeing the Northern Lights in all their glory after being sent out exploring with a pocket-friendly guide who knew the best viewing points. Another Iceland expert took us on a day trip around the country’s most famous natural landmarks and we knew we were guaranteed a brilliant meal afterwards thanks to the restaurant recommendations from the CityHosts.

So what exactly is the key to CityHub’s ability to provide accommodation that bridges the gap between budget and bougie? Well, it’s all in their very clever climate-friendly planning.

CityHub transforms empty urban buildings into hotels, avoiding new construction which as a result cuts CO₂ emissions per guest by 89% compared to the European hotel average. Their modular, recyclable rooms, in-house smart tech and harnessing of Iceland’s famous geothermal energy all add up to a model that’s efficient, scalable, and certified B Corp, a title held by just 0.1% of hotels globally.

I’m already planning a trip to Copenhagen purely based on the fact that there’s a CityHub there – because as someone’s outgrown dorms but not budget-friendly travel, I know I’m guaranteed the perfect fit.

To book a stay at CityHub visit:https://cityhub.com/reykjavik/

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Farage Dismisses Reform Candidate’s ‘Nazi Salute’ Photo As ‘Fawlty Towers Impression’

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Nigel Farage dismissed a photo of a Reform UK candidate appearing to perform a Nazi salute by describing it as a “Fawlty Towers impression”.

Corey Edwards is Reform’s lead candidate for the Pen-y Bont Bro Morgannwg constituency in May’s Senedd election.

A photo of Edwards appearing to replicate the offensive salute recently resurfaced, though the date and location of the image are unknown.

While launching his party’s local election campaign, Reform Party leader told ITV News that his candidate was doing a “Fawlty Towers impression”.

He said: “The context I have been told, it was taking a Basil Fawlty sketch, and that’s why he did it. He’s a human being.”

Asked if Edwards would remain a candidate, he said: “I get the point – it looks terrible. Things in isolation often do. I wouldn’t approve of it.”

He then compared the incident to what he described “far more serious” case of a Plaid Cymru candidate withdrawing from the race over an offensive social media post from more than a decade ago.

Edwards also issued a statement saying the photo had been “misinterpreted” and that he had made “mistakes”.

“There is a clear distinction between ordinary use of the appalling gesture, compared with me imitating a Welsh footballer’s use of it, or indeed Basil Fawlty’s walk,” the Reform candidate said.

“The Nazi regime was the most barbaric ever and I’d never make light of nor dilute its seriousness.”

A Reform UK spokesperson also told ITV Wales: “We’re not willing to write people off forever because of mistakes they made when they were young.”

The incident is the latest drama threatening to overshadow Reform’s campaign in the run-up to the local elections.

Farage already had to publicly defend Reform’s Scottish leader, Malcolm Offord, after an offensive homophobic joke he made a rugby club dinner in 2018 resurfaced.

Offord later apologised and denied he was homophobic.

At his party launch in Sunderland this week, Farage said: “If we’re going to drum people out of public life for telling a joke at a boozy rugby club dinner that’s amongst friends, we’ll finish up with the dullest group of individuals, looking a bit like, sounding a bit like Keir Starmer.”

He added: “When you take something as it is, yeah, of course it looks awful.”

However Farage said Offord “probably regretted doing it” even on the night, and accused critics of adopting a “po-faced purism attitude”.

Reform also had to drop its mayoral candidate for the Hampshire and Solent 2028 election, Chris Parry, this week, after he compared a Jewish community group to “Islamists on horseback”.

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Five Gut-Healthy Foods The BHF Warns May Be Bad For Your Heart

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Probiotic and fibre-rich foods are great for our guts (which, it turns out, influence a lot of our overall health).

But the British Heart Foundation (BHF) have warned that not all of these are as kind to our hearts, even though happier guts usually mean better cardiovascular health.

BHF nutrition lead Tracy Parker said that though, “We encourage everyone to choose foods that can keep their gut microbiome healthy… A lot of these products can contain high levels of salt or sugar.”

Here are five foods they warn to “watch out for”:

1) Kimchi

The fermented cabbage dish is great for our gut microbiomes. It’s packed with probiotics, and it may make your digestive tract an unwelcome space for “bad” gut bacteria.

But, the BHF said, “traditional kimchi is often made with a lot of salt, so it can raise blood pressure if eaten frequently or in large quantities. High blood pressure is known to increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke”.

They advise trying smaller portions or lower-salt versions.

2) Kombucha

The jury’s still out on whether kombucha, a fermented tea, definitely benefits your gut health, though the BHF says it “can be a healthier alternative to sugary or fizzy drinks and has become a popular choice for people looking to introduce fermented products into their daily routine”.

But, they add, “many commercial kombucha products contain added sugars. Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, which in turn can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke or other cardiovascular disease.”

Stick to kinds with “no added sugar” written on the label if you can.

3) Fruit yoghurt

Plain yoghurt contains live bacteria that could benefit the gut, and it’s also high in calcium, which is linked to a lower risk of bowel cancer.

But flavoured, sweetened, and “fruit” yoghurts often “contain added sugars and may have fewer live cultures than plain versions,” the BHF cautioned.

They reccomend choosing plain yoghurt with “live and active cultures” on the label to “ensure you are buying a low sugar option that is good for your gut”.

If you like, you can add fresh fruit at home.

4) Smoothies

“Smoothies made with whole fruits provide prebiotic fibre that feeds the beneficial gut bacteria and supports digestive health,” the BHF said.

But a mere 150ml counts as one of your five a day, and many of us are drinking more than that.

Additionally, “blending breaks down the structure of fruit, releasing ‘free sugars’ that behave like added sugars in the body and cause faster rises in blood sugar levels,” they shared.

“Regularly consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart and kidney disease.”

Stick to recommended portion sizes and consider adding nuts, which provide protein and fibre that may help to control the impact of the sugars.

5) Sauerkraut

Like kimchi, this fermented cabbage dish can also be high in probiotics.

But it also often runs a little salty, the BHF said, “which may be a concern for anyone watching their blood pressure. Some shop-bought versions are also pasteurised, which removes most of the live bacteria”.

Try “checking the label and eating small portions,” as well as looking for “raw” sauerkraut or those described as containing “live cutlures”.

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No Screens Before Two: Inside The UK’s Tough New Guidance For Babies And Toddlers

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New screen time limits have been revealed for children in the UK under five.

The guidance, from the UK government, comes as almost one-quarter (24%) of parents of three‑ to five‑year‑olds say they find it hard to control their child’s screen time, and 98% of two‑year‑olds watch screens every day.

In response to parents calling for support on how much screen time is too much, as well as how to build healthy habits, the government shared new evidence-informed guidance for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

What are the new screen time rules?

Under twos should avoid screen time other than for shared activities that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation (ie. FaceTiming family), per the new guidance.

Meanwhile two- to five-year-olds should stick to no more than one hour of screen time a day.

The government also advises avoiding screen time at mealtimes and in the hour before bed, so as not to disrupt sleep.

What else does the guidance say?

  • Opt for slow-paced, age-appropriate content.
  • Fast-paced, social media-style videos and AI toys or tools should be avoided for young children.
  • Parents are encouraged to watch or use screens together to make the experience more interactive, as talking, asking questions, and engaging with the content is better for children’s development.
  • Make safe screen swaps like reading bedtime stories together or playing simple games at mealtimes.

The guidance stems from the findings of an expert panel led by the Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza and Professor Russell Viner, a paediatrician and expert in children’s health.

The panel reviewed the latest evidence on screen use in under-5s, and found long periods of time spent on screens alone can get in the way of activities critical for development.

Think: sleep, physical activity, creative play, and interaction with parents.

But not all screen use is equal.

Watching screens with an engaged adult where parents talk and ask questions is linked to better cognitive development than solo use.

Slow-paced content is also far better for development than fast-paced social media-style videos.

Evidence also suggests time limits shouldn’t apply in the same way for screen-based assistive technologies to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Prime minister Keir Starmer said: “Parenting in a digital world can feel relentless. Screens are everywhere, and the advice is often conflicting.”

The new guidance “cuts through the noise”, he added, “to keep children safe and make sure healthy habits are baked in from the start”.

Admitting that some will oppose the guidance, he added, “I will always stand on the side of parents doing their best for their children”.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said: “Young children need their parents to be confident in managing their screen use, but often this can be overwhelming for parents learning to navigate this.

“My hope is that this guidance helps to cut through the conflicting advice available and prioritise children’s development and wellbeing, as well as their safety.”

Neil Leitch, CEO of the Early Years Alliance, welcomed the new guidance and its emphasis on providing practical tips and advice for parents and carers.

He added he hopes it’s “the first step towards equipping children – and those supporting them – with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world and ensuring that technology enhances rather than undermines early learning and wellbeing”.

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Exclusive: Reform UK Asked Rival Party Councillor To Be ‘Paper Candidate’ In Local Election

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A Lib Dem councillor was left stunned after being asked by Reform UK to stand for the party at the local elections in May.

Sam Webber, who sits on Bromley Council in south east London, was phoned out of the blue by the party’s membership team and asked if he wanted to be a “paper candidate” on May 7.

A paper candidate is someone whose name goes on the ballot representing a party but is not expected to win or do any campaigning.

Speaking to HuffPost UK, Webber accused Nigel Farage’s party of “making a mockery of the election nomination process”.

He said: “Is Reform just randomly calling up people across the country and asking them to stand for election?

“Nominations open in five days time. How much vetting will the party be doing on their candidates in that time? This runs the risk people getting nominated who would be ineligible to serve even if they were elected.

“That would see costly and unnecessary by-elections having to take place after May 7, as we saw after the 2025 local elections.

“Reform UK is making a mockery of the election nomination process. As we have seen in authorities like Kent County Council, it would be total chaos if the party gets anywhere near power. I suspect voters will not like being taken for fools.”

Reform has been contacted for comment.

A staggering 65 Reform councillors who were elected at last May’s local elections have since either resigned as councillors, defected or quit the party.

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Five Habits A GP Says Separates People Who Age Well From Those Who Don’t

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It turns out that tiny changes – minutes more exercise, a few grams more veggies – can make a surprisingly large difference to your longevity and heart attack risk.

And Dr Dominic Greenyer, a private GP at The Health Suite, said that those lifestyle changes become medically obvious in time.

“If you followed two twins over time, you would often see clear differences in their skin, body composition, energy levels and overall health depending on how they live,” Dr Greenyer said.

“Ageing is not just about time passing. It’s about how well the body is maintained.”

Here, he shared the five factors he feels make all the difference:

1) Building and maintaining muscle

As we age, our muscles begin to wane – a process called sarcopenia. If we do nothing to maintain or build it, some research says we’re expected to lose half our muscle mass by 80.

“One of the biggest predictors of healthy ageing is muscle mass,” Dr Greenyer said.

2) Prioritising sleep and recovery

“Chronic poor sleep can accelerate ageing at a cellular level,” Dr Greenyer said.

“It affects hormones, recovery, inflammation and even visible signs like skin quality.”

Experts think that following a “7-1” sleeping rule (getting at least seven hours of sleep a night, with no more than an hour’s variance between bedtimes and wake-up times) could add years to your life.

3) Reducing inflammation through lifestyle choices

In and of itself, inflammation isn’t a problem – it can help our bodies to heal and may be an important part of muscle growth.

But “inflammaging” can occur when inflammation is chronic, and might contribute to conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, and frailty.

It “is influenced by diet, stress, alcohol intake and overall lifestyle,” Dr Greenyer said.

Those who eat whole foods, stay active, and manage stress well may have less unwanted inflammation, he added.

4) Enjoy life, in moderation

There’s lots of research to support the idea that enjoying ourselves – be it through socialising or even eating some candy – might help us to live longer.

“There is good evidence that polyphenol-rich foods such as dark chocolate can support cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation,” Dr Greenyer added. “Just as important is maintaining strong social connections, which are consistently associated with longer lifespan and better mental wellbeing.”

He ended, “The difference comes from small choices repeated over years – but they should still allow you to enjoy life.”

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Tinned Tomatoes Give Us More Of A Heart-Friendly Nutrient Than Fresh Ones

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Processed food is often treated as an unhealthy monolith, though a doctor previously told HuffPost UK that yeast extracts, tinned beans, ready-to-eat oats, and fortified plant-based milks have their role in a healthy diet.

And “processing” – which can include canning, smoking, freezing, milling, and pasteurising – isn’t in and of itself a bad thing. It can sometimes make elements of certain foods healthier.

For instance, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) writes that, “You might think canned tomatoes are less healthy than fresh ones.

“But your body can absorb more of a heart-healthy nutrient called lycopene from tinned varieties than it can from fresh, uncooked tomatoes.”

What is lycopene?

Lycopene is an antioxidant (meaning it helps to stop free radicals from damaging DNA and some cells). It helps to give fruits like tomatoes and pink grapefruits their colour.

Some experts think it could help to lower inflammation, control cholesterol, reduce the risk of blood clots, and improve the immune system.

It has also been linked to lower blood pressure and may even reduce some cancer risks.

But so far, the seemingly most established benefit of lycopene is its ability to improve our vascular function and potentially reduce our risk of cardiovascular disorders.

In one study, for instance, men with the highest lycopene consumption had a 55% lower stroke risk.

A 2022 review of studies concluded that lycopene “plays a critical role in human health, particularly in preventing cardiovascular risks”.

In Western countries, tomatoes account for about 80% of lycopene consumption.

OK, but why tinned tomatoes?

If tomatoes contain lycopene in all their forms (which they do), why tinned tomatoes over fresh ones?

Well, that 2022 review said, “Several factors influence the lycopene content of fruits and vegetables, such as environmental conditions (temperature, irrigation, light, climate, location of plantation), fruit variety, degree of ripeness, processing and storage conditions”.

That’s partly because processing tomatoes breaks down their cell walls, making their lycopene more available to us.

Tomato paste, for instance, has 1827% more lycopene than fresh tomatoes (though you likely eat less of it than canned kinds).

Crushed and canned tomatoes have 5106µg per 100g, vs cooked fresh tomatoes’ 3041µg per 100g.

Cooked fresh tomatoes have more lycopene than fresh raw ones.

Eating tinned tomatoes with olive oil might increase how much lycopene your body absorbs from them, too.

As Michael Mosley told the BBC, “That means tomato sauce from fresh or tinned tomatoes, and even ketchup can actually provide more lycopene than fresh tomatoes”.

Of course, there are other things to consider with e.g. ketchup or premade tomato sauces: added sugars and salt may make any lycopene benefits redundant.

But if you turn to unsalted, sugar-free tinned tomatoes far more often than you stew fresh ones yourself, you might be doing your heart (as well as your taste buds) a favour.

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‘Ikigai’ Could Hold The Secret To Happier Ageing. I Asked A GP How To Find Yours

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Medical comment provided by Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor.

You might already know that having a sense of purpose is linked to greater longevity and a longer cognitive healthspan.

Those who are passionate and knowledgeable about their interests may face a lower dementia risk, too.

When Héctor Garcia, who co-wrote Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, went to the “village of longevity,” Ogimi Village, he noticed that the “healthy and active seniors” there often said they had an “ikigai”.

The term refers to something that brings value, meaning, and purpose to life. Here, we asked GP Dr Suzanne Wylie to share her thoughts on the topic.

What is “ikigai”?

It’s a compound of two Japanese words, “life” (iki) and “value, benefit” (-gai).

The Japanese government’s site describes it as “that which brings value and joy to life: from people, such as one’s children or friends, to activities including work and hobbies.”

Japanese psychologist Katsuya Inoue said it has two elements. These are “sources or objects that bring value or meaning to life,” and “a feeling that one’s life has value or meaning because of the existence of its source or object”.

It is a “broad term”, which can include everything from gardening to art to butterflies.

Ikigai is a practice as much as it is a passion. “Everyone knows what the source of their zest for life is, and is busily engaged in it every day,” Garcia wrote.

What are the benefits of “ikigai”?

Dr Wylie told us she approaches the concept of Ikigai with “a mix of curiosity and cautious optimism.

“There is certainly a growing body of observational evidence suggesting that having a sense of purpose in life is associated with better health outcomes, including reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, lower rates of depression, and even increased longevity,” she added.

So, though we can’t be as sure it’ll benefit us as much as, e.g., controlling blood pressure or quitting smoking, “it is plausible that [ikigai] contributes [to longevity] indirectly by encouraging engagement in meaningful activities, fostering social connections, and reducing stress, all factors known to influence physical and cognitive health as people age”.

For instance, Dr Wylie shared, people who garden, engage in creative hobbies, or even spend time with loved ones, “tend to have better emotional regulation, lower inflammatory markers, and are more likely to maintain an active lifestyle.

“These factors can contribute to what we would call healthy ageing, meaning a later onset of frailty, preserved cognitive function, and a greater quality of life, even if the absolute extension of lifespan is modest.”

How can I find an “ikigai”?

Dr Wylie told us there’s no set prescription.

Instead, it’s “more about encouraging people to reflect on what genuinely matters to them and finding ways to integrate that into daily life.

“This might mean advising someone to take up a hobby they have always enjoyed, join social or community groups, or even structure their day around small, purposeful tasks that bring them satisfaction”.

But simply learning what you like isn’t enough, the GP added.

“The key is consistency and meaningful engagement rather than intensity; it is the regular, ongoing sense of purpose that appears to be protective,” she explained.

“For older adults, in particular, maintaining social connections and pursuing interests can mitigate loneliness and cognitive decline, which in itself may confer measurable health benefits.”

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2.9 Million People In The UK With Poor Mental Health Feel Always Or Often Alone

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According to the World Health Organisation, about 16% of people worldwide are facing social isolation and loneliness. In 2024, 22% of UK adults said they felt lonely at least some of the time.

But that loneliness is not shared equally. Younger generations seem to be lonelier than older ones, while almost half of people in poverty say they feel lonely compared to 15% of high earners.

And new data from the Belonging Forum’s 2026 Belonging Barometer has found that “people reporting poor mental health are five times more likely to feel lonely” than those with good mental health.

What did the research find?

The survey, conducted with Opinium, involved 10,000 UK adults.

It’s part of the Belonging Barometer, which the Belonging Forum says is designed to look at “how connected people feel to others, their communities, and their sense of purpose”.

  • Roughly one in five people with poor mental (21%) or physical health (20%) say they have no close friends,
  • Only 27% of those with poor mental health say the things they do in life are worthwhile, compared to 85% in good mental health,
  • Only 33% of people with poor mental health said they feel a strong sense of belonging to their neighbourhood, compared to 65% in good mental health,
  • Nearly two-thirds (64%) of people with poor mental health reported high anxiety yesterday, vs 29% of those in good mental health,
  • Though 76% of those with good mental health say they are satisfied with their friendships, this falls to 52% among those reporting poor mental health,
  • Two in five people with poor mental health report feeling lonely often or always, compared to 3% of people in good mental health.

That means about 2.9 million people in the UK with poor mental health say they feel lonely often or always – “roughly the population of Greater Manchester”.

“Health and belonging are closely connected”

Kim Samuel, founder and chief architect of the Belonging Forum, said: “Health and belonging are closely connected. When people struggle with their physical or mental health, they are much more likely to experience loneliness, weaker friendships, and higher levels of anxiety.”

She added, “These findings show that belonging is not only about community or identity. It is also about wellbeing. When people are unwell or facing barriers in their daily lives, it becomes harder to build and maintain the relationships that help us be connected and supported.

“A society where people cannot participate fully in social life is a society where belonging becomes harder to sustain.”

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Could More Parents Get ‘Free’ Hours? The Government Is Looking Into UK’s Childcare System

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Education secretary Bridget Phillipson has revealed she’s reviewing the free childcare eligibility thresholds impacting parents in England.

Under the current system, working parents are entitled to 30 hours of free childcare a week (for 38 weeks a year) after their child turns nine months old, up until they start school.

However if both parents earn less than £195 per week, or one parent earns more than £100,000 per year, this support isn’t available.

Phillipson told The Times: “We are going to continue to look at eligibility through the childcare review that we’re undertaking, and it does need to be simpler for parents.”

How does the current threshold work?

There is a lower and higher threshold, which means thousands of parents aren’t able to access support.

People who are aged 21 or over need to be earning more than £195.36 per week to be eligible for the free childcare offering. This drops to £160 per week for 18-20 year-olds and £120.80 per week for under-18s or apprentices.

Coram Family and Childcare’s latest annual Childcare Survey found families who are not eligible for the free hours – because they are not in work, do not earn enough or do not meet other criteria – have to pay an average of £189 per week for a part-time nursery place for a child under two.

It warned there is a risk that disadvantaged children are being priced out of accessing the same early years education as those in working families.

Lydia Hodges, from Coram, said the government’s childcare expansion is a “welcome support” for working families, but added there’s a “stark divide” between those eligible for support, and those who are not.

She said: “The focus on children being ‘school ready’ is gathering pace, but we have to ask a question about how much more difficult this will be to achieve for disadvantaged children in England, when they will now get only a third of the government-funded early education that children with working parents get, by the time they start school.”

There is also a higher threshold where one parent earning over £100,000 means couples aren’t able to access 30 free hours to pay for childcare either.

This means two parents could hypothetically earn £99,999 and receive 30 hours of free childcare a week; while another couple could have one person earning £101,000 and the other earning £5,000, and they would lose out.

As a result, parents have refused pay rises and bonuses, The Times reported, as the free childcare offering is better value.

All parents are able to access 15 free hours of childcare when their child turns three years old, regardless of income.

When will the changes be made?

We know both the lower and higher thresholds are under review between now and the next general election, which will be August 2029 at the latest.

Any changes that will be made are not imminent and form part of the government’s early years strategy.

Ultimately, Phillipson is keen to make the free childcare offering “more straightforward” for parents and the childcare sector, while also “getting the best possible outcomes from the money that’s being invested”.

HuffPost UK has contacted the government about when the outcome of the review is likely to be shared and will update the piece when we hear back.

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