Emma Reynolds, Labour MP for Wolverhampton North East and Shadow Housing Minister has responded to a survey which shows that the cost of childcare is soaring under David Cameron’s Tory-led government.In some areas costs are now two thirds of average weekly earnings.

The Family and Childcare Trust have published a report that shows that over the last Parliament the cost of childcare has increased by 33 per cent nationally. Families are now spending £1,533 more this year than they did in 2010, while wages have remained largely static.

Labour Party analysis shows that in some areas of the country the cost of childcare has rocketed by up to 53 per cent over the Parliament. In England, the cost of a part-time nursery place for a child aged 2 or over has risen by 36 per cent since 2010 – more than six times faster than wages have risen over a similar period.

Emma said, “David Cameron claimed that his government would be the most family friendly ever, but the truth is that, over the past five years, childcare costs are up by over a third for child-minders and over 50% for nursery places across the West Midlands.

“Childcare is becoming increasingly unaffordable for families. That’s why I support Labour’s plans for 25 hours free childcare a week for 3 and 4 year-olds. Many parents with young children want to return to work but are deterred from doing so by the high cost of childcare. That’s bad for them and bad for the economy.

“Labour’s plans mean that parents with young children who want to return work will be able to do so without risking being worse off than if they stayed at home.”

February 2015