A record number of families in Carlisle were using a government scheme to help with the cost of childcare last year, new figures show.

The Tax-Free Childcare scheme tops up cash families pay into a pot for services such as childminders, nurseries and nannies.

Across the UK, there were more parents than ever using it in the 2022-23 financial year.

However, industry body the Early Years Alliance called it a “regressive policy” and urged the Government to redirect the funding to ensure it benefits those families most in need.

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HMRC figures show around 1,025 Carlisle families used the scheme in the year to March 2023 – up from 820 the year before. This was the highest number since records began in 2017-18, when it was 75 – a more than 13-fold increase.

Families get £2 for every £8 they put into an account set up for childcare spending – up to £2,000 per child per year, or £4,000 for a child with a disability.

It is available for children aged 11 and under, or 16 and under if they have a disability.