Save Childcare Vouchers campaign shortlisted for CIPR Excellence Award
Westminster Advisers has been shortlisted in the Public Affairs category for this year's CIPR Excellence Awards, for the 'Save Childcare Vouchers' campaign. On behalf of the four largest providers of childcare vouchers in the UK, Westminster Advisers co-ordinated a campaign of political, media and public pressure against the government's decision to withdraw tax relief worth approximately £1,000 per year to working families.
The campaign, between October and December 2009, secured public support from the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. It generated 93,000 supporters on a Downing Street e-petition, sparked a mini rebellion by nine former government ministers, and ultimately resulted in a 'u-turn' by the Prime Minister.
As a result of the campaign, the government committed to retaining tax relief for childcare vouchers at the basic rate of tax for all users, saving an essential financial support for families with young children and an indispensible recruitment and retention tool for employers.
Westminster Advisers Managing Director Dominic Church said:
"We are delighted to be shortlisted for this campaign. Combining policy expertise with rapid media and stakeholder relations, our team was able to quickly generate massive support for childcare vouchers and ultimately preserve this important benefit."
This year the Chartered Institute of Public Relations Excellence Awards received over 750 entries across the 27 award categories
Winners will be announced at the Excellence Awards Dinner at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London on Wednesday 16th June 2010.