Families in Gloucestershire are being reminded not to miss out on government help paying for childcare this Easter.

Tax-Free Childcare can pay for any approved childcare for children aged 11 or under, or 16 if the child has a disability.

HMRC said more than 38,000 families in the South West used the scheme in December 2022.

Working families, where each parent or carer earns up to £100,000 can use it, meaning for every £8 paid into an online account they will receive an additional £2 from the government.

This means parents and carers can receive up to £500 every 3 months (£2,000 a year for each child), or £1,000 (£4,000 a year for each child) if their child is disabled.

The help can be used whether children go to nursery, a childminder, attend breakfast, after school or holiday clubs or out of school activities.

Victoria Atkins, financial secretary to The Treasury, said:  "Tax-Free Childcare provides extra help with childcare costs which could make all the difference to working families and make childcare expenses more manageable. I would urge families to go online today to find out how it can help you."

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC's director general for customer services, said:  "Childcare is so important for working families, especially during school holiday time. Tax-Free Childcare provides financial support when it's needed the most."

Tax-Free Childcare accounts can be opened at any time of the year and it takes around 20 minutes to do it online.

Check eligibility and apply online here