Giles Watling, Member of Parliament for Clacton, promotes Government scheme offering free childcare for working parents.
Giles is delighted to confirm that working parents are eligible for 30 hours of free childcare, a commitment met by the Government, who announced the scheme earlier this year which many parents are already benefiting from. The Government is now looking forward to a new cohort of children who will be able to join the scheme in January. In order for your child to be eligible for the scheme they need to have turned three years old by the end of December 2017. Parents who want to take advantage of up to 30 hours of free child care for their child in January ideally need to apply by 30 November to ensure they receive their eligibility code in time for next term.
Giles received an update from Robert Goodwill MP, Minister of State for Children and Families earlier today and in this update the Minister advised that not all parents will receive their code straight away. HMRC may, on occasion, require additional information to ensure the parent is eligible. Early applications will prevent a delay in receiving the necessary information.
Parents who are already in receipt of the free childcare, need to confirm their details are correct every three months and can do that online at www.gov.uk/childcareaccount
In addition, on the 24th November 2017 Tax-Free Childcare will be rolled out to parents whose youngest child is under six years old, or who has their sixth birthday on the 24th November.
Giles said
“The cost of childcare for working parents can be absolutely astronomical and for some, means that returning to work is just not financially viable. I am pleased that the Government have delivered on their commitment to offer 30 hours of free child care and I strongly urge any eligible parents to take advantage of the scheme.”