Parents urged to check eligibility

Advice Direct Scotland is reminding parents to check their eligibility for free childcare as the summer holidays approach.

The charity says thousands more Scottish families are now getting help with the cost of childcare.

The number of families using the Tax-Free Childcare scheme has risen to 36,095, an increase of 4,925 compared to March last year. 

The HMRC scheme provides government top-ups of up to £2,000 per child each year, or £4,000 for disabled children.

Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the free advice service taxadvice.scot, says parents can use the scheme to help cover the cost of approved childcare, whether that is nursery care for younger children or wraparound care, after school clubs and holiday clubs for older children.

Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “It is good news that more families are making use of this support, which can provide real help at a time when household budgets are stretched by the cost-of-living and energy crisis.

“But many parents are still missing out, often because they are unsure how the scheme works or whether they qualify.

“With schools breaking up in the coming weeks, it’s vital that families check their eligibility and sign up so they can get the help they need to cover childcare costs over the summer.

“Our free, impartial service at taxadvice.scot is here to help anyone who is worried or confused about Tax-Free Childcare or any other tax matter. People can visit taxadvice.scot or call 0800 756 3381 for support.”