Daily Telegraph: MPs child care scheme worth thousands

Taxpayers will meet the costs of MPs' nannies, child minders and nurseries under proposals to further increase the generosity of Parliament's system of expenses.

Under the proposals, MPs will be given child care vouchers that can be used throughout the country and are tax free.

The level of support is under discussion but each eligible MP is expected to be able to claim thousands of pounds per child.

Minutes of a meeting of MPs led by the Speaker reveal that the decision to offer free or subsidised child care was taken last year. The final details are expected to be unveiled within a month.

The arrangements are expected to increase concern over the generosity of MPs' expenses.

Such child care schemes are rare in the private sector. A recent Government study found that just 2.5 per cent of companies offered them and that most employees took the vouchers in exchange for a lower salary or holiday entitlement.

Matthew Elliott, the chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "It defies belief that despite the outcry of the last few months MPs still think they can get away with increasing their perks even more.

"They are well paid and generously provided for as it is without a nanny allowance. The last thing we need is politicians taking yet another step away from the lives of ordinary voters and taxpayers."

Martin Bell, the former independent MP who campaigned against sleaze, said: "MPs are getting for themselves advantages that other people don't have."

MPs' expenses are in disrepute after it emerged that some claimed thousands of pounds for groceries and household items from the so-called "John Lewis List".

MPs – led by the Michael Martin, the Speaker – are embroiled in a High Court battle to block full disclosure of their claims.

More than 140 also recently disclosed that they employed family members in their private offices, using generous staffing expenses.

A committee of MPs is overhauling the system and is expected to report this month. It may recommend that members receive a large pay rise if they give up expenses for second homes. But proposals on child care are being considered separately and are likely to be introduced whatever is decided.

At the moment, as a condition of employment, MPs' staff can claim vouchers worth up to £8 a day – £2,080 a year – per child. The scheme is restricted to those with children under 12.

At a meeting last year of the members' estimate committee, chaired by the Speaker, it was decided to extend the scheme to MPs.

Last week, when questioned about creche facilities by MPs, Nick Harvey, a member and spokesman for the House of Commons Commission, revealed that details of the scheme were expected shortly.

He said: "There are no current plans for a creche, but if there is an un-met need or demand, this can be looked at again. Members' staff and staff of the House are eligible for child care vouchers. The estimate committee has considered extending the voucher scheme to members, and will return to the subject shortly."

According to the Daycare Trust, the cost of a full-time nursery place for a child under two is £159 a week in England – more than £8,000 a year – up five per cent on last year.

Poorer parents can also receive help towards child care costs through the tax credits system. However, the current average amount available is £48.45 a week – less than MPs are likely to be offered.