What Can Parents Expect From Five More Years Of Tory Rule?
With the Conservative government now settled in for a second term in office, what can mothers and parents expect for the next five years?
While some aspects of motherhood never change, there are others that continue to evolve according to social, economic and technological factors. So while the widely celebrated concept of Mothering Sunday has its root in ancient tradition, today’s mothers and parents must adapt to the changing circumstances that envelop them.
More specifically, mothers must adapt to the changing legislation and government rule that is Omnipotent nationwide. This can be challenging during times of political uncertainty, although this risk has been negated recently by the re-election of the Conservatives for a second consecutive term in office.
What should Parent Expect from five more years of Tory Rule?
Some may argue that the re-election of the Tories is not good news for parents and young families, with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reporting that the government’s austerity drive has resulted in less women having children. A more objective view would also reveal that the Tories will make positive changes for family life, which underpins their underlying values. There is a mixed bag for parents, however, including some of the following policy updates: -
The End of non-means tested Child Benefit
Let’s start with the bad news, as for year’s parents have been able to claim child tax on a non-means tested basis. This means that regardless of how much they earned, families could claim child benefit and tax credit and significantly boost their income.
This may no longer be the case by 2018, with the government keen on driving through plans that will slash benefits for the working poor by up to £12 billion in three years. With an estimated £10 billion of savings still to find, it is thought that families may miss out through the introduction of means-tested child benefit as a reduction measure.
An Increase in free Education for children
Now, as Monty Python would say, for something completely different. During their election campaign, the Tories pledged to double the amount of free early education for three and four year olds. This would increase the existing number from 15 hours to 30, and create greater opportunities for learning and interaction.
This is being introduced as an incentive to work, however, and it will only be made available to working families where parents were employed for at least eight hours each week. Although there is no indication of where the funding will come from, this will be good new busy, working families and a Godsend for single mothers in the UK.
Flexible working Directives will become increasingly Popular
While the Conservative’s flexible working directive has already been confirmed and implemented, some individuals are still loath to take advantage of this opportunity. This may be due to a lack of confidence, but the most likely reason is that fact that the precise terms of this legislation are not widely known.
Make no mistake; however, any employee who has been with a company for 26 weeks or more can now request a change in their working schedule, regardless of their reason. Those with young families will be given priority, and companies cannot discriminate you on the basis of a formal request. This will become more popular as the Tory government continue, and it may even serve as a legacy for the party in the UK.
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