New childcare plans aim to help parents with costs

The UK government plans for parents to be able to claim back up to £1,200 for each child

16:00 19 March 2013

Certain parents in Britain will be able to claim back up to £1,200 per child as of 2015 if the government’s new plans are to go ahead it has emerged. The coalition aims to help the country with childcare costs through its new scheme.

The plans could mean that 20per cent of costs for childcare could be reclaimed each year. Although this only relates to children under the age of five years old; it would be expected to be extended to cover children up to the age of 12 thereafter.

The conditions mean that both parents and a parent in a single-parent family, would have to be in employment. Also, that the total annual income is less than £150,000.

This seems to be a massive bid from the UK government in order to help millions of families. Prime Minister David Cameron said: “This is a boost direct to the pockets of hard-working families in what will be one of the biggest measures ever introduced to help parents with childcare costs.”

Deputy PM Nick Clegg explained that the plan will also promote the notion that “it pays to work”. He said of the countries childcare costs that; “the rising cost of childcare is one of the biggest challenges parents face.”

Although, based on media reports Labour could be seen to view the new scheme as being a little delayed – given that it would not come into effect for another few years.

The way the scheme would work would mean a parent has access to a voucher account on the internet where the government would make additions to. It is believed that funding details will be discussed more in the coming few days.

Critics could say that it is not clear whether the new plans will be better than the previous system, but details of the new scheme are yet to be completed.