As the politicians set out plans to remake policy (and grab our support), the issue of childcare is being bandied about. Jenny Booth, the Times's online deputy news editor and a single mum of a three year old, thinks there is less to their plans than meets the eye and explains why we should all be paying attention now. Do you agree with her assessment?
- KEITH STRINGER (YOUATWORK)
- 11/4/2009 16:06
Response received, from a question to David Cameron, regarding the conservatives view/plans following Gordon Brown's conference Childcare message.
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I am writing on behalf of David Cameron to thank you for your email about the Government's recent announcement concerning childcare costs. I apologise for the delay in my response. Our office has been inundated with correspondence over the last few weeks. Unfortunately, this has meant we have not been able to get back to people as quickly as we normally would.
These changes will mean an increase in childcare costs for 300 000 hard working parents, most of whom are basic rate tax payers with the Government removing the exemption of employer funded childcare vouchers from tax and National Insurance Contributions.
This is a time when many families face financial pressure and may need now, more than ever, to have access to affordable childcare. Cutting this scheme will mean yet more instability and uncertainty for parents and providers alike.
Childcare vouchers are a simple and straightforward way for parents to pay for their childcare and in turn, save money to help against the costs. Unfortunately for many parents, even with childcare vouchers, affording childcare is one of the biggest issues that they will face when their children are young.
We believe the Government is wrong to scrap this support which so many parents rely on. As I'm sure you can appreciate, in this difficult economic climate we are at present unable to give you a commitment that Conservatives would reinstate the tax and National Insurance exemptions. I can assure you that a future Conservative Government will continue to support families, building systems around them for childcare.
Once again, thank you for taking the time to write.
Yours sincerely,
Anna Biles
Correspondence Secretary
David Cameron's Office
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA