Childcare Financial Support will become more confusing
mployers have been advised to ensure their staff are aware of forthcoming
Esignificant changes to financial support to pay for childcare . The message from charity group Employers for Childcare comes as evidence shows the majority of Northern Ireland parents , employers and childcare providers do not understand how the proposed new scheme will work in when it is implemented in April this year .
A conference for employers this week coordinated by Employers for Childcare provided information ahead of the imminent changes to 300 employers .
Chief Executive Marie Marin told delegates that concern surrounds the scheme as so few people realise the significant choices they will have to make . “ There is a risk that the wrong choice could lead to them suffering financially ,” says Ms Marin .
The Charity ’ s Senior Benefits Advisor Chris Briggs told the conference that the complexities of the new scheme and questions over whether it was better than the vouchers scheme made it less than straightforward .
“ Childcare financial support will become even more confusing this year ,” said Mr Briggs . “ Thousands of working parents will have to consider the options available to them and make the right decision to make sure they don ’ t lose out financially . They need to understand the impact of the scheme on their tax credits and the number of children as well as their incomes . There are many variables which will have to be considered before choosing one scheme over the other . “ However , if they don ’ t understand the different types of support available they may make the wrong choice and end up financially worse off ,” he warned .
While the tax free scheme is due to be introduced this April , the vouchers scheme remains open until April 2018 for new applicants . Anyone on the vouchers scheme can remain with it until their youngest child reaches the age of 16 .
Marie Marin told delegates that the group will provide assistance to ensure parents get the best possible deal .
“ Working parents need to decide on whether or not the new tax free childcare scheme will be better for them than the current vouchers scheme ,” said Ms Marin .
“ This is an extremely complicated issue and is based on individual circumstances . Our advisors can go onto employer ’ s sites to provide personalised assessments for staff , all of which is free , confidential and impartial ”.
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