Thursday, November 05, 2009
This is a response from the Conservative Party regarding their plans for Childcare Vouchers following Gordon Brown's recent announcement at the Labour Party Conference.
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