The aim of the scheme is to provide much-needed support for those in work facing high childcare costs, while enabling others to either move into work or increase their working hours, where they wish to do so.
Treasury Minister Sajid Javid said: "Support will be extended to up to 2.5 million working families, providing them with 20 per cent of their childcare costs – equivalent to the basic rate of income tax - worth up to £1200 for each child. This will ultimately be available for all children under 12. For a family with two children, this could be worth more than double the amount of a single claim under the existing scheme, and will be open to around five times as many families."
The consultation seeks views on a wide range of questions on how Tax-Free Childcare will operate, including around scheme eligibility, the voucher payment system and government 'top-ups', and the role of employers and other organisations, as well as providing more detail on certain issues.
More information ...
Access the consultation, which runs until 14th October 2013 here, and check out a quicker survey here.