Financial advice available

Junior ISAs to launch on 1 November 2011

Tax-free children's savings accounts, known as 'Junior ISAs', will be available from 1 November 2011. The new accounts will offer parents a tax-free way to save for their children's future.

More information on Directgov.

Comprehensive Spending Review

Following the spending review announcement on Wednesday 20 October 2010, we have collated a list of changes that could affect you in 2011 and beyond, with local signposting to other services

how the changes in benefits could affect you

If you have any further queries about this document, please contact the Family Information Service (FIS) on 020 7361 3302 for further information, advice and guidance.

Maternity Leave - update

The coalition government have confirmed that there will be a change in how maternity leave can be taken from Sunday 3 April 2011. Fathers will be allowed to take up any unpaid maternity leave, up to six months, should their partner go back to work early. Although not compulsory, there are advantages to fathers taking this time.

gives the father a chance to further bond with their child
helps aid the childs' development

"We know that where fathers are involved in their children's lives they develop better friendships, they learn to empathise, they have higher self esteem, and they achieve better at school." (Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, January 2011)

helps share the responsibility between parents

Please note this change to the maternity leave system, is in addition to the entitled paternity leave a father is allowed.

You will also be able to claim tax credits if you're household earnings are within the new thresholds, which take effect in April 2011. Please visit the Tax Credits link, under 'general benefits', below.

Tax Credits - reminder

As part of routine procedure, HMRC are checking claims for childcare costs. You might receive a letter from them, asking if there have been any changes in your circumstances.

You have to let the HMRC know;

if your childcare costs have altered
your childcare provider is no longer registered with Ofsted
you have started receiving childcare vouchers from your employer

If you affected by any of these, please call the HMRC on 0845 300 3900. Please note that you are not allowed to make a claim if the childcare provider or home-childcarer has not yet received their certification of registation from Ofsted.

Debt

Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), a registered charity, offers free, confidential debt advice and support to anyone who is worried about debt.

Their online debt counselling tool, CCCS Debt Remedy, can provide you with advice tailored to your individual circumstances. All advice and recommendations are backed by over 15 years of experience and knowledge gained by CCCS counsellors. You don’t have to give your name and the service is totally free.

If you have any debt related issues, or are seeking financial advice, you can contact CCCS on their helpline 0800 138 1111 open Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm. Alternatively, you can visit them on their website www.cccs.co.uk.