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"The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of childhood into maturity." - Thomas Henry Huxley

UK PARENTS BETTER OFF STAYING HOME?

Sarah Womach,  a UK social affairs correspondent reports that DayCare Trust, a national child-care charity has released a report which observes that child care in the UK is so expensive that some parents say they would be better off not working.  The complex UK tax credit system stops many mothers making a claim while those living in expensive places such as London who do claim the benefit say the amount they receive makes no impact, the charity reports.

According to Womach, the trust's report, "Talking About Childcare", comes at a time when children's early years have never been so high up the political agenda. The Government has invested significant amounts into its national child-care strategy, which includes help for working parents with child-care costs and early education places for all three- and four-year-olds [see ExchangeEveryDay, February 12, 2004]. But families still miss out, saying they do not know what is available, there is not enough on offer and, quality child care is too expensive.

The report urges swift action and is particularly scathing about the tax credit system.
For details about the report, go to:  http://www.daycaretrust.org.uk/article.php?sid=215

To view related articles from UK papers, go to:
29 April 2004: Soaring costs mean relatives living together http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/0181

26 January 2004: Parents pay price as costs of child care jump again http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/0182

11 December 2003: Tax-free boost to ease the cost of child care http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/0183

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