To pay DM to look after DSs?

[Sylviesleep]

My DM looks after DSs before and after school 3 days a week. DS 1 8-8:30 then 4-5 and DS 2 8-8:30 then 12-5.
I pay her £250 a month for doing this but we are really struggling to pay her this. DH has never liked the fact that DM asks for money to look after them.
Aibu to pay DM?

Purple - I am not interesting in whether it is 'right' or 'wrong' (although personally I think the Law is an Ass on this matter, or whatever the expression is ).

I am genuinely interested if there have been any prosecutions ? (For family members - I actually have heard of a threat of prosecution when a friend was providing an unregistered cm arrangement).

Do people really care about this Law? I have provided informal cm arrangements for years for friends.

The law was changed several years ago to allow close family members to be paid for looking after children.

Family members are exempt from the need to register as a cm.

DH and I mind our two little grandsons one day a week and give them lunch. We were happy to suggest this because it not only helps our DC financially,it gives the boys a break from day nursery. We're happy to do this without pay,as are several of my friends, most of whom do a day at least each week. But I have to say, our DC are very grateful and always try to be as helpful as they can.

I'm going to be using my mum for childcare when the second comes along and have told her I will pay her. I'd rather do that than her get a part time job. I don't know anyone that can afford to live off their pension nowadays.

Thank you Cant and WannaBe for explaining that.

"If your DH doesn't like it, suggest to him that he find someone else prepared to do it for expenses only."

This. You would be screwed if your mum decided it wasn't worth all the bother any more as you weren't willjng to pay her even the small amount she's currently getting and took up a job at the local supermarket instead. Your childcare costs would double and your DH is mad if he thinks you're paying the same rates as you would to a CM/bsc-asc.

my mum has my son 1 days a week and it shames me she will not accept any money for it...so we try to do things like give her gifts etc instead. I'd rather she took the money because she is saving me from paying a stranger to look after my child.

They may be exempt from registering but not from paying taxes....