ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHILDCARE VOUCHER SCHEME

That this House acknowledges the huge support that the Government childcare vouchers scheme gives to the finances of all working parents and welcomes the Government's commitment to maintain the tax relief that underpins the scheme; notes with concern an emerging industry variation in the time taken for childcare providers to receive payments from voucher providers; believes that the rapid growth of the sector legitimises calls for voluntary minimum standards to be set for this expanding industry; recognises that uncertainty about voucher processing companies risks resulting in childcare providers being forced to refuse payment by voucher, consequently undermining the aims of the scheme; calls for the establishment of a voluntary code of practice in consultation with all involved parties to ensure minimum standards; and calls on the Government to recognise the opportunity to pledge support for its own scheme presented by bringing the administration of the scheme back into the public sector, thereby creating jobs and safeguarding childcare places for working parents.