Welcome boost in drive to get mothers into jobs

Helen Ward welcomed the moves to help working mothers like herself back to work.

The Chancellor announced that childcare costs would become cheaper thanks to a tax break of £50 a week on National Insurance and income tax. The same tax breaks will also extend to cover approved childcare in the home.

Mrs Ward, 35, runs a beauty salon with her husband Richard, 36. They have an eight-week-old son, Oliver, and a two-year-old daughter, Elysia.

Mrs Ward said: "This is exactly what I need, and it's about time they did something about this. For most mothers, it's a difficult enough choice anyway to leave their kids to go back to work.

"The extra money will definitely help. And the home childcare will be invaluable to me and many of my friends."

She also welcomed the promise to do away with many regulations governing business which she feels have an unfair impact on small companies like her own.

"Small businesses are some of the fastest growers in the economy but it often feels like we're hampered the most by new regulations and forms which aren't such a problem for larger firms with in-house accountants."

Mr and Mrs Ward's business in west London has a turnover of more than £2 million.

The couple normally take £100,000 a year each from it, but Mrs Ward is currently on maternity leave. They live in Fulham and have been married for eight years.

They pay £300 a week for childcare. Mrs Ward said: "Childcare isn't a luxury, it's an essential.

"Like many mothers, I want to work but childcare costs - especially in London - are massive and they make a big dent in our family finances, especially when you're running a small business like ours."