This paper introduces the idea of a childcare time subsidy as a means to reconcile the activation ambition with a revaluing of parental childcare time and enhanced freedom to choose in the reconciliation of work and family life. The proposed unconditional subsidy follows the pattern of effective childcare time in society and hence declines strongly with the rising age of the children. Thereby it offers parents an unbiased choice between parental care and the use of care services, but equally defines a clear path over time with a gradual increase of the monetary incentive to (re)turn to the labour market.
A simulation of the first round effects of the benefit on Belgian households suggests that it will result in a clear disincentive for life-long retreat from the labour market, while offering considerable monetary gains for homemakers with young children. Moreover, the particularly disadvantaged group of single parents will see its poverty risk decline by more than a quarter.
Presented by:
Josefine Vanhille (ECASS visitor, Deleeck Centre for Social Policy, University of Antwerp)
Date & time:
November 18, 2009 1:00 pm - November 18, 2009 2:00 pm
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