Childcare Vouchers
Government changes to Childcare Voucher Schemes
A new Government backed Tax-Free Childcare scheme is currently being rolled out which commenced from April 2017.
The Government had previously confirmed that employer child care voucher schemes (CCV’s) would no longer be available to new applicants from April 2018 however have recently confirmed a 6 months extension up to October 2018.
Existing SCC Child Care Voucher Scheme Members
Existing CCV scheme members can remain in an employer CCV scheme as long as:
- you have at least one CCV deduction each tax year
- up to your child’s 16th birthday (or 17th birthday if your child has a disability)
If you are an existing member of SCC’s CCV scheme you may wish to review whether this or the new Tax-Free Childcare scheme is the most beneficial to you (but you can only be in one scheme, not both).
Should you decide to remain in the SCC’s CCV scheme you can opt out at any time and join the Tax Free Childcare scheme (subject to eligibility).
Please refer to Employee Guidance (246 KB) for further information on SCC's CCV scheme.
There is also a brief Guide for Managers (106 KB).
New Scheme Entrants (currently not in a scheme)
If you wish to join a childcare scheme you can access either scheme (but not both) up to October 2018.
Thereafter SCC’s CCV scheme will no longer be available to new entrants.
You will need to review which scheme you are eligible for and that is most beneficial to you.
If you wish to join SCC’s child care vouchers scheme before October 2018 please email ssc.child&cycle@staffordshire.gov.uk
Please note, due to the administrative process, the closing date for scheme applicants is Monday 6 August 2018.
Further Information
For further information on the different childcare funding schemes and details on eligibility please go to the Governments Childcare Choices website.