Nursery World - Childcare tax relief is change for the good

Proposals for childcare vouchers may not offer immediate relief but their benefits will be felt in the long term says Susan McGhee, commercial director of Bertram Nursery Group

Currently the scheme allows households to claim up to £1,866 per child per year if their employer is signed up to the scheme. Many parents, including the self employed, are ineligible however.Under the proposed changes the current scheme will be extended to the self employed, those on parental leave and carers. All households with two working parents earning less than a combined £150,000 will be able to claim up to £1,200 per child per year.

The proposed changes prompted some negative responses from parents who are looking for some relief now rather than in three years time.

But long term I believe these changes will be good for working families. As a working mum myself I understand both the challenges that presents and the importance of knowing your child is well cared for in a safe, secure and stimulating environment. My professional role means I also understand that providing quality childcare and early years education has a cost.

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