Childcare costs

[justme53]

As I am in the process of sorting out a new nanny it struck me again how incredibly expensive childcare is (we've also been through nurseries e.t.c) and how, despite the occasional "oh dear, yes it is", there never seem to be any actual proposals of how to deal with it.

My suggestion would be to give at least 20% income tax relief on childcare costs but I'm sure people have other ideas.

Wondered if it is time to get the force of Mumsnet behind this one??

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

I'm told that, in Belgium, you get some kind of tax-break if you employ someone in a domestic role... cleaner, gardener etc. rather than child-care specifically. I can see the job-creation rationale behind that. However, at the moment, with the emphasis on those who can afford to finance their own lifestyle choices doing so - I can't see it being a priority to introduce something similar in the UK. As long as families on average-low incomes get help with child-care costs through the Tax Credit scheme, I think that's as far as it will go.

[dreamingbohemian]

I don't know what the technical solution should be, but I think the government should definitely be subsidising childcare more somehow.

Most other European countries do this so clearly it could be done, technically.

We moved to France recently and are paying 30 cents an hour for nursery, it makes such a huge difference.

[justme53]

I suppose the Government probably does think provided they help the low-paid that's enough and obviously it is a start, BUT when they talk of the brain-drain from the City and the need to introduce quotas for women to be represented on the board, they seem to ignore that, even at the top, the cost of going back or remaining in the workforce can be offputting if not prohibitive.

Any idea how you go about getting this on anyone meaningful's agenda - writing to my MP doesn't feel like it would get me very far !

[CogitoErgoSometimes]

Other European countries charge their basic rate taxpayers considerably more in income tax than the UK. And, of course, if you do that, far more things are possible out of the public purse. If you're concerned about women on the boards of companies in the City earning £000s getting a financial leg up into motherhood, I really don't think that's going to get very far with the general public.

[niceguy2]

I agree with Cogito.

With the current economic climate, I doubt the idea of subsidising childcare for the well off (or those who are assumed to be well off) would gain much traction.

And unfortunately most people will consider anyone who can afford to hire a nanny to be "well off" and many will want to tax you more rather than give you a tax break.

[OpinionatedMum]

The government has reduced the childcare element of tax credits for low income families. I don't think anyone who can manage to afford a nanny has a hope in hell sadly.

It won't go down well with voters. Not just for the reasons niceguy pointed out. Also there are a substantial amount of people who believe children are a lifestyle choice and resent subsidising them. Or tax breaks for parents that they don't get.