Not helping poorest parents 'unjust'

The Bishop of Bristol has welcomed the Government's additional £750m investment to subsidise childcare costs but says it may not help the poorest families.

Under a new £1bn childcare voucher scheme, working parents earning up to £150,000 will receive up to £1,200 towards childcare costs from 2015.

The Right Reverend Mike Hill said he was worried the changes would assist those on high incomes while failing to help families most in need of support, such as those working part-time on the minimum wage.

"In these times of austerity, it feels unjust not to be targeting help at those who are trying to work their way out of poverty," he said.

The bishop welcomed the 0.7% of national income allocated to overseas aid but urged the Government not to introduce further cuts to welfare for those in need at home.

"I hope that this bold act of generosity will be extended to ensure greater awareness of the needs of low income families living in this country," he said. 

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.