Time is running out for the Childcare Vouchers Scheme, with the Government set to suspend access to new applicants from April.
But that hasn’t stopped MPs and concerned parents from continuing the fight against its closure.
Last month, Parliament debated an e-petition: ‘Keep childcare vouchers open beyond April 2018’, which was signed by 116,000 people.
In the debate, MPs provided a plethora of examples of parents in their constituencies benefiting from childcare vouchers.
They also cited difficulties for parents in signing up for the tax-free childcare scheme.
But to-date, there’s no weakening in the Government’s stance.
An early day motion (EDM) – designed to draw attention to areas of particular interest – has now been tabled signed by 116 MPs based on the Government’s failure to adequately address concerns about the impending curtailment of childcare vouchers.
The motion cites the following: –
You too can help support the campaign against closure.
It’s incredibly quick and simple to ask your MP to support this EDM if they haven’t already.
The Childcare Vouchers Scheme was introduced by a Conservative Party Government in 1989.
It aims to create tax efficiencies to cheapen the cost of childcare for working parents.
It also helps businesses by reducing their NI contributions.
Principally, the childcare voucher scheme operates as salary sacrifice, where pre-taxed and pre NI salary is given in exchange for vouchers for childcare redeemable with approved carers.
For employers wishing to help working parents with the childcare vouchers scheme, click here
For employees wanting to take advantage of childcare vouchers, click here