Co-op welcomes government announcement for better childcare system

The government has promised to create a "better" childcare system for parents, by allowing them to claim back up to £1,200 a year in costs per child.

The Midcounties Co-operative provides Childcare Vouchers through their Co-operative Flexible Benefits Group. The group has provided Childcare vouchers since 2005, currently supports over 15,000 working parents and is one of the largest nursery providers in the country.

Pete Westall, Co-operative Flexible Benefits Group General Manager said: “We welcome any support that the government offers working parents. Although the precise changes to childcare benefit are not yet clear we look forward to the opportunity to be involved in the consultation once the details are finalised.

"From the initial news this morning parents who use childcare vouchers or sign up before October 2015 will continue to be allowed to use them. The current scheme allows up to £1,800 saving per year if there are two working parents and the vouchers can also be used for children up to 15 years of age.

"I would advise any parent to look at the existing Childcare Voucher scheme and to seriously consider whether to take advantage of the savings currently available.”

For further information, visit flexiblebenefits.coop.