PETITION:
MAKING CHILDCARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE .
petitions.number10.gov.uk/childcareexpense/
The government is forever encouraging mothers to go back to work but the costly issue of childcare is proving a real setback for many families. For children under 3, nurseries, childminders and nannies are the most obvious
options of childcare. In London, the average full time monthly cost of childcare is around £1000 per child, which is for many families unaffordable and especially in a two-child household.
Child tax credits come nowhere near the true cost of childcare and childcare vouchers (soon to be scrapped) are not available to the self-employed. Making childcare costs tax deductible would help many parents (especially
mothers) to go back to work. Furthermore the system should not discriminate between the employed and self-employed.
In France, crèche costs are proportionate to the family income, in Denmark families only pay 25% of childcare costs and Australians get childcare rebate up to £4420 per year per child.
More parents in work would mean a better standard of living for many families and more tax revenue for the government. Childcare shouldn?t be a luxury, but should be affordable for everyone.
PLEASE TAKE 5 MINUTES TO SIGN THIS PETITION. The more of us sign it the more it will have an impact. I am also looking for people to write to their MP's about it. The topic is a hot one especially since Gordon Brown recently
announced his plan to abolish childcare vouchers - only available to the employed (not self-employed). 60,000 people have already signed a separate petition to force him to change his mind.