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New Tax Credits

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Parental Leave and Tax Credits

With effect from April 2003, parental rights have been expanded. Women are entitled to 26 weeks 'ordinary' maternity leave followed by a further 26 weeks unpaid leave. The first six weeks paid at 90% of normal pay, then 20 weeks at £100 per week. Men are entitled to two weeks paternity leave. The same paternity regulations apply when adopting children under five years old.

Also in April 2003 the Child Tax Credit (CTC) came into operation. The CTC is a means-tested credit payable to families with children regardless of whether they are in employment. The CTC is payable on top of child benefit which remains universal. CTC is made up of different 'elements' to suit differing circumstances of families.

In 2001, prior to the introduction of the new tax credits, the Board for Social Responsibility responded to the 'New Tax Credits consultation'.