More than 150,000 parents are set to receive support worth up to £388 following changes announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and HM Treasury. The government has unveiled a list of 'everyday fixes' ahead of the Budget, aiming to boost working people and families.
Extension of Parental Pay
One of the changes announced by the Prime Minister is to extend parental pay to over 150,000 more parents per year, including self-employed dads and partners who have previously missed out. The change will give eligible parents two weeks of financial support, currently worth up to £388 in total (£194 per week), to allow them time off work to be with their newborn children.
Government's 'Everyday Fixes' Agenda
The government said: "This is the latest in the Prime Minister's series of 'everyday fixes' designed to tackle everyday frustrations, save families time and money and give them more room to breathe. It follows action on unfair airline charges, subscription traps, rogue traders and rip-off school uniform costs."
"It comes ahead of the Budget on Wednesday focused on giving families and businesses breathing space with the costs they face today, while taking the long-term decisions needed to strengthen the economy and support growth and bring costs down," the government added.
Reactions and Statements
George Gabriel, co-founder of The Dad Shift, said: "This paternity pay will make a real difference to tens of thousands of expecting families each year, giving self-employed dads a chance to show up for their loved ones at one of the moments that matters most. We hope more will be done through the government's review of parental leave, but fair shout to the Chancellor for showing he gets it and for showing he respects the role these hard working blokes want to play as fathers."
Andy Burnham said: "We are taking on the big challenges facing the country. But that doesn't mean losing sight of the everyday problems that cost people money or simply aren't fair."
"If you're a nurse driving for work, a parent spending those precious first weeks with your new baby, or an unpaid carer picking up an extra shift, these changes will make life a little easier and put more money back in your pocket," he said.
"And at Wednesday's Budget, we'll go further to give families and businesses the breathing space they need today, while we build a stronger economy, transform our country and bring down cost for people long-term," Burnham added.
Chancellor's Remarks
Chancellor John Healey said: "Today's everyday fixes are just a small part of what we are doing to give families a bit of breathing space. Conflict in the Middle East and Europe is hitting families here at home through higher everyday costs. We can't control global events, but we can act where we can make a difference."
The changes come ahead of the Budget on Wednesday, which the government says will focus on giving families and businesses breathing space with the costs they face today while taking long-term decisions to strengthen the economy and support growth.
