NDNA Says Reduction of Tax Credits has Huge Implications for Affordability of Childcare Places

National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) today responded to the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR).
By: National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA)
 
Oct. 20, 2010 - PRLog -- National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA) (http://www.ndna.org.uk/) today responded to the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). Whilst NDNA welcomes the commitment to children in their earliest years, the organisation highlights that the reduction in the percentage of costs working parents can claim back for childcare will have implications for the affordability of childcare.

NDNA said the move to reduce the amount of childcare costs covered and the increase in working hours would affect parents’ ability to work, particularly those on the lowest incomes.

Purnima Tanuku (http://www.ndna.org.uk/about-us/who-we-are/senior-management-team), Chief Executive of NDNA comments: “Whilst we are pleased that children will continue to benefit from a continued 15 hour free entitlement and that more needy two year olds will be reached through a free place, we are concerned about a reduction in the amount families will be able to claim back for childcare. Parents’ ability to work or train is central to the successful recovery of the economy but reducing the amount of childcare costs a parent can claim will hurt the poorest parents the most. Low income families are the ones that can claim the highest proportion of childcare fees and a reduction to only 70% of their costs could mean that families cannot balance their finances. There may also be cases where an employer is unable to offer additional hours to meet the new criteria of parents working 24 hours per week, so the contribution to childcare costs may be lost entirely and work is not an option. Nurseries will be very concerned that this move will hit the families who stand to gain the very most from their child being in high-quality childcare.“

“In addition, whilst it is good news for children and families that 15 hours of care and early learning will still be available for all three and four year olds, and that there is an offer for two year olds,  this means that resolving funding issues is even more pressing. NDNA looks forward to exploring how this can happen. The loss that nurseries have to sustain on these ‘free’ places means that many are struggling to survive. Without high quality nurseries the economy can not survive, and the current cuts to local authority budgets means that creating new childcare places is not an option. We must ensure that nurseries are funded properly for free places to ensure that they can play their full part in supporting families and the economy.”

She continues: “The ultimate affect of the reduction in Working Tax Credits could be that nurseries struggle even more as parents either find work does not pay because of childcare costs, or cut down on their usage by turning to informal care. NDNA will be urging government to look at this as part of the Single Universal Credit system as work will not pay if childcare costs are not considered and supported. Whilst NDNA understands the UK is in a period of austerity, we must recognise that parents have to be helped with the cost of childcare, children must be able to benefit from high quality experiences in their early years and vitally, the sustainability of nurseries must be supported so that parents can access the care that meets their needs.”

For more information please visit http://www.ndna.org.uk/

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Notes to editors:  



For more information, to arrange interviews please contact Hayley Wilson, Senior Press and Policy Officer on T: 01484 40 70 66 E: hayley.wilson@ndna.org.uk M: 07718 803 652 or visit http://www.ndna.org.uk/



National Day Nurseries Association is a national charity representing children’s nurseries across the UK, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children. NDNA is the voice of the sector, an integral part of the lives of nearly one million children and their families.

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National Day Nurseries Association is a national charity representing children’s nurseries across the UK, giving them information, training and support, so they can provide the best possible care to young children.
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Source:National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA)
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Tags:Comprehensive Spending Review, Csr, Ndna, National Day Nurseries Association, Tax Credits, Spending Cuts
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