Nursery World - Parents 'confused' by childcare credit

Tax credits for children and childcare remain a source of confusion for the majority of parents, according to a report last week by the Child Poverty Action Group calling for a 'simpler, easier-to-use system'. In Tax Credits: One Year On, a review of the scheme introduced in April 2003, author Marylin Howard says that there is still need for further reform if tax credits are to succeed as part of the Government's pledge to end child poverty by 2020.

In Tax Credits: One Year On, a review of the scheme introduced in April 2003, author Marylin Howard says that there is still need for further reform if tax credits are to succeed as part of the Government's pledge to end child poverty by 2020.

The report draws on case studies from welfare rights advisers across the UK. It looks at wider issues including childcare, income assessments, overpayments and the relationship with other benefits, and makes policy recommendations.

The charity is calling for the geographical range of children's centres to be extended. It says that nearly half of poor families live outside the 20 per cent most deprived areas where centres are sited. CPAG also wants more 'formal childcare' and early years provision, particularly for the under-threes, and this should be provided free or at a reduced cost for poorer families.

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