This is what's happening ahead of George Osborne's March Budget on tax relief for childcare. The Government is acutely aware it has little to say to families who are feeling the squeeze on their living standards, other than it will all be worth it in the end. It is particularly worried that it is losing support among women voters.
On cue, smart backbenchers have been advancing arguments for childcare reform. Liz Truss MP has been advocating deregulation of childcare and nursery education, while Harriet Baldwin MP has been making the case for extending childcare vouchers to the self-employed. Newspapers have reported that the Chancellor is sympathetic.
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