Nursery World - Childcare costs - fears grow on the future of childcare vouchers

Childcare voucher companies are urging the Government not to abandon but extend the current scheme, amid speculation that childcare tax breaks may be brought in to replace vouchers.

A plan to enable working parents to claim up to £2,000 a year in tax breaks to help pay for childcare is thought to be one proposal being considered by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister (News, 7 January 2013).

However, there is speculation that the Government plans to axe childcare vouchers and replace them with other tax breaks.

John Woodward, chief executive of Busy Bees Benefits, has questioned why the Government is suggesting spending money on introducing a new system when he says the childcare voucher scheme is free for the Government to administer, and is successful in getting parents back to work.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included