Government Support for Childcare Costs to be Extended

The government has today unveiled new plans to assist families on low incomes.

Under the current system parents can received credits to cover up to 70% of the cost of their childcare, however they need to be working for at least 16 hours per week in order to do so.

The new proposals mean that those working less than 16 hours may also be able to claim credits, depending on their circumstances. The new proposals won’t take effect until 2013 however.

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said: "We are determined to help more parents take their first steps into work, but under the current minimum hours rule parents are trapped in state dependency without the childcare support they badly need - providing yet another barrier to work."

Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister said: "Childcare support is vitally important. It's a lifeline for families up and down the country, particularly for mums who want to get back into work, maybe for just a few hours a week after they've had children.

He added "This will help an extra 80,000 families who have previously had no help at all with childcare costs."

If you would like help in finding out what benefits you may be entitled to please contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau to arrange a benefits check. A list of Bureau and their contact details can be found at www.citizensadvice.co.uk/en/Where-We-Are/Bureaus/.