PostingPay mothers to stay at home

Mothers should be paid to stay at home and raise their babies, according to a report released today. The Telegraph has this story on the report, which found that most women wanted to work either part-time or not at all while their children were under five but were unable to do so because most government support for families goes into tax credits. The Policy Exchange think tank wants the government to scrap the current system of tax credits and grants in favour of a universal child care allowance, worth £60 a week. British parents pay 70% of their childcare costs, compared to to a European average of 30%.

Posted 21 April 2008 09:04

Comments

DJ Kirkby said:

I couldn't agree more though I think £60 a week is not going to facilitate most mothers into being able to stay at home! Certaintly not the more mature mothers who have become accustomed to earning a decent wage!

Posted 22 April 2008 07:04

Helen said:

Is still better than nothing at all....

Posted 22 April 2008 09:04

Elsie Button said:

I am totally totally for this - and this is exactly how it SHOULD be. Why do we get so many things wrong in this country? Sweden, for example, do things the ways things should be done. They are so damn civilised and brilliant!

Posted 22 April 2008 20:19

Helen said:

Yes, but one could also argue the Swedes are overly fond of vodka, pragmatic to the point of dullness and prone to depression because of their ridiculously dark climate. At least we British can fall back on our cheerfulness when faced with all manner of disaster (eg sexist employment legislation). Sorry - just being silly. Of course you are right!

Posted 23 April 2008 19:52

alex Johnson said:

You've been blog-tagged. Hope you don't mind.



I didn't start it.



Rules on my blog.



Cheers,



Alex

Posted 23 April 2008 21:01

Expatmum said:

Having lived in the States now for 18 years, where absolutely nothing is free, it rather blows my mind that anyone should consider themselves elligible for money off other people (which is essentially what it is as more than the individual pays taxes) for having her own child.

I appreciate the dilemmas of mothers - being one myself; but to expect the government to help me finance what is basically my lifestyle choice is part of the problem in the UK.

Posted 24 April 2008 13:46

Helen said:

Ah, but Expatmum, I don't agree that putting future generations of people on this earth is a 'lifestyle choice'. Say we went on strike and refused to reproduce, then where would the human race be? We deserve some support from the wider collective in bringing up small children. But those are my personal views...

Posted 24 April 2008 14:56

Helen said:

Alex, am promising nothing about the blog tag but will take a look.

Posted 24 April 2008 14:56

Helen said:

ps - Alex - have done blog tag.

Posted 24 April 2008 16:44

Stay at home dad said:

I would go further - pay fathers to stay at home! Well I would, wouldn't I...

Posted 30 April 2008 11:49

Helen said:

And why not, Stay at Home Dad? You make a good and valid point!

Posted 30 April 2008 19:48

Chew said:

A valid point indeed! A friend of mine working in the states who just became a new dad had to take 2 weeks "disability leave" to spend time with his new family. So wrong!

Posted 11 May 2008 11:02

Helen said:

I find it worrying, Chew, that the world's superpower takes such a benighted view of the family! Good on your friend for taking time with his new baby. Shame he had to go to such lengths to get leave.



Ps - have just visited your site for a tasty-sounding Moroccan aubergine recipe - Zaalouk.

Posted 11 May 2008 12:52

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