Childcare rightly in spotlight

Finally, childcare is getting the attention it deserves, with the budget moving the issue high up the agenda. The Conservative offer – not ideal and with a long lead-in time – is at least a step in the right direction.

Labour’s response has not been clear. They previously promised a transformative approach but we haven’t seen the details yet. It will be a key battle in the next election. Just look at the stats. In a recent survey, 96%of parents said they would vote for the party with the best offer on childcare.

And it’s no surprise why.

A quarter of parents are cutting back on necessities to pay for childcare.

And almost 500,000 mothers have quit their jobs because childcare is too expensive. Meantime, costs are rising.

Two-thirds are paying more for childcare than for their rent or mortgage

A couple taking home an average wage spend 29% of their income on childcare – the second highest in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. It needs to change urgently.

Today, we reveal some of the fat-cats behind the UK childcare industry and how the eyewatering prices hard-up parents are being charged help fund their lavish lifestyles.

It is no great surprise. The impetus behind the private sector is profit, naturally.

But when privatisation creeps into sectors like childcare, health and social care, we must be sure standards are not sacrificed for cash.

Some of the reports we bring you today are shocking. Multiple failings across the sector.

The system needs reform and hopefully that’s what Labour will bring. It’s vital for parents, children and the wider UK.