Parents urged to check if they’re missing out on tax savings

Tax Credits and Childcare Vouchers, neither of which come off the Northern Ireland block grant, help to bring down the cost of childcare.

Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea who attended the event said: “This is a fantastic scheme, Employers for Childcare are doing really great work. Every family should check if they’re missing out.

“The charity is based locally in Lisburn and do not only offer advice, but will help with any paperwork. Anyone who wants more information on Employers for Childcare or on the ‘Childcare Affordability NI’ scheme can contact me or call into my office.”

Marie Marin, CEO of Employers For Childcare said: “Many families are struggling with monthly bills which include childcare and no one can afford to be losing out on potential help with finances. The elephant in the boardroom is childcare affordability, these tax savings for parents and employers are a no-brainer. The lack of awareness is a real barrier.”

Currently in Northern Ireland there are 16,600 parents claiming the childcare element of Working Tax Credits and approximately 10,000 parents using Childcare Vouchers. With 211,000 families with dependent children in Northern Ireland there are only 13% of families claiming what that they are entitled to.

Bro McFerran, Managing Director of Allstate NI and Chair of the business breakfast stated: “The Childcare Voucher scheme saves both employer and employee a considerable sum of money. As an employer it makes excellent business sense to actively promote this scheme.”

On the back of this business breakfast a petition for both employers and parents on raising awareness on childcare affordability has been initiated. In such an economic climate the savings available to the economy should not be missed.

To back this petition contact go to www.employersforchildcare.org or call freephone 0800 028 6538.