Applications open today for working parents to get 15 free hours a week for kids aged nine months to two years in England.

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But MPs warn “childcare deserts” are springing up across the country.

House of Commons Library data shows some areas have lost up to a quarter of places since 2019.

In Rutland, more than a quarter of childcare places have closed since 2019, falling from 1,032 to 759.

In Sunderland, there has been a 23.2 per cent drop, in Telford and Wrekin a 19.9 per cent drop and in Darlington an 18.9 per cent fall.

In total, four in five areas in England have seen a decline.

Lib Dem education spokesperson Munira Wilson said: “This Conservative government has created childcare deserts through years of neglect.

“This stark postcode lottery means that parents in many areas of the country are left completely without options.

“Free hours are no good if parents can’t find a good nursery or childminder for their child – and thanks to this Conservative government’s underfunding millions of parents now face the almost impossible task of finding childcare.”

The Department for Education insists its landmark free childcare offering is succeeding, with 195,355 families already benefitting.