The rising costs of childcare

Parents are struggling to afford childcare as the cost of a nursery place continues to rise faster than inflation and has reached nearly twenty five per cent of the average household income, according to a new report out by the charity Daycare Trust.

A national survey of childcare costs in England found the average price of a nursery place for a child under two is £134 a week, five per cent more than last year. This compares with an average household income of £562 a week.

Parents in the South East pay more, with a typical nursery place in inner London now costing £168 a week.

More places please

Parents are struggling to pay the increasing charges particularly those with larger families as there is no extra help for families with three or more children.

The Daycare Trust wants the government to expand help available under the Childcare Tax Credit and, in the longterm, it wants 'children's centres' to be built in every community around the UK.

Andrew Smith, the work and pensions secretary, said " My aim is that every parent who wants to work should be able to have access to affordable childcare when they need it. By making better use of school facilities we can start to make this a reality."

Bigger families suffer

Government measures to help parents with childcare costs take no account of the extra costs of three or more children. Half of all children from large families live in poverty. They are trapped in a "life of low income and low expectations" due to lack of affordable childcare according to a report by Bristol academic and childcare expert Professor Hilary Land.

Stephen Burke, Director of Daycare Trust, said: "Parents in Britain already pay the highest childcare bills in Europe. They tell us they cannot afford to pay any more.Affordable childcare is crucial to tackle child poverty by helping parents work and train."

"The government needs to help all families access quality affordable childcare near where they live. Investment in the early years is an investment in the future of our country."