The charity Grandparents Plus is calling for working parents to be able to pay their childcare tax credit to grandparents caring for their children. It proposes that working grandparents who provide childcare receive credit towards their National Insurance and be given the option of flexible working.
In a YouGov survey of 2,000 people, commisioned by the charity, more than 60 per cent of respondents agreed that grandparents should receive some kind of reward or payment from the state for providing childcare.
Sam Smethers, Grandparents Plus chief executive, said, 'Our poll shows the public appreciates the important role that grandparents play, but most people do not think the Government values this highly enough. It is time to recognise the contribution grandparents make.'
But the proposals have been met with opposition. Alison Garnham, joint chief executive of the Daycare Trust, warned that 'introducing direct payments would require a process involving registration, auditing and inspection'.
National Day Nurseries Association chief executive Purnima Tanuku said, 'Paying parents tax credits for care by grandparents not only creates potential difficulties, but would mean this type of care would have to be regulated to ensure children were being cared for in the right environment.'
Children's minister Beverley Hughes said, 'We would not wish to disturb family arrangements by encouraging charging between family members who would not otherwise have done so.'
Further information
'Rethinking family life: exploring the role of grandparents and the wider family' is at www.grandparentsplus.org.uk
