Au pairs - and the new laws

[fedupwithdeployment]

Hi All

No doubt you have all seen the threads on the "£1200 per working parent" changes to the law, due to become law in 2015. The only childcare costs we currently have is the Au Pair. If I have understood things correctly (and fair chance I haven't), you would pay out for all childcare costs initially, and then claim back what ever you are entitled to via tax.

So, my question is whether I could set off the AP costs (pay of £80pw) against this? I am sure the answer is no, but thought I would ask.

Thanks in advance.

I would think the childcare would have to be registered childcare like it does at the moment? It wouldn't be that difficult for an au pair to become registered though.

Worth keeping an eye on it. I am sure there would be other practical difficulties - we do have a contract, but cash in hand might be difficult to proove. Maybe I should suggest it to the agency?

By the way, are you my Dad? He describes himself as Disgusted / Outraged From Leeds / Yorkshire etc!!!

The full details have not been worked out yet but without a doubt they would have to register with Ofsted. Note that you can use childcare vouchers under the current scheme to pay for an Ofsted registered au pair.

There is a chance though that for political reasons nannies and/or au pairs may be specifically excluded from the new scheme (note this is personal speculation).

But in any event, unlike childcare vouchers, you can only claim 20% of the cost of childcare under the new scheme so your savings will be capped at £832 a year (£80 x 52 weeks), less the time and cost it takes to get them registered.

As far as it stands at the moment nannies/au pairs can be used as registered childcare, just like the current scheme. They will stay registered with OFSTED (so no pesky agencies). Got confirmation from HMT and the DFE in those points.