UK: CONCERN OVER COST OF CHILDCARE

Article Abstract:

The Family Policy Studies Centre is calling for a review of childcare costs in the UK. Research has shown that the UK is the most expensive place in Europe for childcare. On average British parents spend 23% of their earnings, or around GBu 487 per month, on childcare. This compares to just GBu 76 and 3% in Germany. The Centre is calling on the Government to legislate against long, anti-social working hours and offer working families more support with the cost of childcare. Although lower income families receive the Working Family tax credit, there is no support for middle and higher income families. It has been suggested that the cost of childcare could create a society where families are removed of some of their most fundamental functions.

---

UK: COMMISSION TO EXAMINE CHILDCARE PROVISION

Article Abstract:

A commission on childcare will examine the best way business and the Government can meet the needs of families struggling to balance work and home. The Childcare Commission will look at how to make childcare affordable including proposals to pay relatives, including mothers, for looking after children. It will consider how to make formal childcare bodies, such as nurseries, more accessible. The Government must respond to changes in the working environment and the vast growth in women wishing to work. The 12-member panel of experts will take evidence from parents, focus groups and children to report recommendations in a year's time. The commission will consider extending the 18 weeks maternity pay to a year.

---

UK: CONCERN AT SCALE OF HOUSING BENEFIT TURMOIL

Article Abstract:

The number of complaints regarding housing benefits made to the Local Government Ombudsman and covering councils in England rose by 97% to 3,516 in the 12 months to October 2000, compared with 1,769 the previous year. Secretary of State for Social Security, Alistair Darling, revealed on 11 December 2000 that GB[pound] 34mn would be devoted to assisting councils in dealing with the growing problem over the coming three years. Mr Darling revealed that certain councils were having problems dealing with the admin side of housing benefits, while the crisis has left many claimants defaulting on their rents facing legal action and eviction.

Planning, Abstract, Housing management, Housing authorities

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: UK: INTERNET FILTERING PROGRAMS INEFFICIENT? UK: CRIME TARGET OF TAX REFORMS. UK COMPUTER CRIME SQUAD PLANNED BY GOVERNMENT
• Abstracts: UK/IRELAND: BRANSON AIMING TO EXPAND RAIL EMPIRE. UK: RISING PRICE OF TRAIN TICKETS. UK: SEPARATE RAIL TICKETS CAN PROVE FAR CHEAPER
• Abstracts: Rolls US jet rival to take stake in Airbus engine IRELAND: LUFTHANSA AIRMOTIVE WINS RYANAIR DEAL. UK: RR WINS GB[pound] 25MN HELICOPTER DEAL

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.