Parents on low incomes who are working less than 16 hours a week will be eligible for childcare support from 2013, under new government plans. Some £300m has been allocated for the move, worth up to £175 a week for one child and £300 for two or more. Ministers say scrapping the minimum working hours limit for childcare support will benefit 80,000 families. Charities welcomed the proposals but urged ministers to do more to make childcare affordable.

'First steps'
At present, families can get credits to cover up to 70% of their weekly childcare costs, but only if they work more than 16 hours a week. The exact amount given depends on income level, but couples with an income up to £41,000 can...Read more HERE