Military Families Deployed Overseas to Save Thousands in Childcare Costs as Part of Drive to Boost Military Morale
17 November 2024
In a move designed to boost military morale and support service members deployed overseas, the UK government has announced a new initiative that will save military families thousands of pounds in childcare costs.
Under the scheme, eligible families will receive a tax-free allowance of up to £2,000 per month per child aged 11 years or under. This allowance will be paid directly to families in monthly installments, and will cover all childcare costs, including nursery fees, childminders, and after-school clubs.
The initiative will be available to all military families who are deployed overseas for a period of six months or more. It is estimated that around 10,000 families will be eligible for the allowance, which will save them an average of £10,000 per year.
The government says that the initiative is part of a wider drive to improve the welfare of military personnel and their families. Other measures include:
- A new “military covenant” that will set out the government’s commitment to service members and their families
- A £1 billion investment in military housing
- A £500 million package of support for veterans
Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “Our armed forces make enormous sacrifices to keep our country safe, and it is right that we do everything we can to support them and their families. This new initiative will make a real difference to the lives of military families, and will help to boost morale across the armed forces.”
The move has been welcomed by military charities. The Royal British Legion said it was a “significant step forward” in recognizing the challenges faced by military families.
“This initiative will make a real difference to the lives of our troops and their families,” said the Legion’s Director General Charles Byrne. “It will help to reduce the financial burden of childcare, and will give families greater peace of mind knowing that their children are being well cared for.”
The initiative will be implemented in April 2025. Families will be able to apply for the allowance online.
Additional Information
- The allowance will be paid directly to families in monthly installments.
- Families will not need to pay tax on the allowance.
- The allowance will be paid for all children aged 11 years or under.
- Families will be able to use the allowance to cover all childcare costs, including nursery fees, childminders, and after-school clubs.
- The initiative will be implemented in April 2025.
- Families will be able to apply for the allowance online.
For more information, please visit the GOV UK website.
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