Telford & Wrekin Council has become one of the first councils in the country to launch a scheme to assist credit crunch-hit residents keep their youngsters in childcare.

Borough residents whose circumstances have changed because of the economic downturn may be able take advantage of the scheme which provides assistance with childcare fees for up to eight weeks.

Councillor Stephen Burrell, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We understand this can be a difficult time and I want people to be reassured the council is one of the first places they can go to get support if they are finding things tough financially.”

All applications are subject to eligibility checks and formal documentation to support changes in circumstances will be required.

Families who may be eligible include those who have been made redundant, had their hours reduced, had their shift patterns changed resulting in greater need for childcare without an im-provement in income or have been required to return to work because their partner has been made redundant.

Those who have lost the childcare element of the Working Families Tax Credit because their partner has been made redundant may also be eligible.

Councillor Burrell said: “We have put together a package of financial assistance to support families who may otherwise be forced to remove their child from their childcare setting and we have already had several applications from interested parents and carers.”

Councillor Burrell said all applications would be reviewed on a first come, first served basis and payments would be made directly to the childcare provider. Only Ofsted-registered childcare will be considered.

The scheme is open to residents of Telford & Wrekin who are parents or carers and whose children already access childcare.

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible is urged to contact either their childcare provider or the council’s Family Information Service on (01952) 385385.

By Simon Hardy