Non cash benefit whilst on maternity

[Frenchie84]

Has anyone been asked by their employer to pay back non cash benefit (ils schème of childcare voucher) received whilst on statutory maternity pay?
HMRC website says one should continue receiving them when on SMP but no mention of playing back.
Friend of mine working in HR, as well as adviser I spoke to on ACAS agree I should not pay it back, as it is a benefit in the same way as employee pension contribution, company car, bonus ...

I had a similar situation a few years back so may be out of date now. In my first job I continued to receive child care vouchers but the company paid. In my next job for my second maternity leave the company told me they wouldnt pay but I could reduce it to 0 during maternity leave. I challenged on the grounds you mentioned but was told it's around how childcare benefits are worded. As it was a discretionary vs contractual benefit, they didnt have to pay. Still not 100% convinced but I didnt win that battle at the time.