Childcare costs soaring in Plymouth

Childcare costs for Plymouth's families are soaring according to a new report published yesterday.

The study shows that nursery costs for a child under the age of 2 have increased from £80 per week in 2009 / 2010 to £100 per week in 2015 in Plymouth, whilst wages have remained largely static.

A report from the Labour Party shows that creeping costs in Plymouth are creating a bigger and bigger financial burden for families.

This compares to a national increase where 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 for families in the city.

Luke Pollard, Labour’s candidate for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said: "“The soar in childcare costs in Plymouth is a worrying trend which puts increasing pressure and stress on families, something that this government has never addressed.

"If parents are making the decision to return to work then it is right that their wages covers more than the childcare costs. I keep meeting people who want to return to work but can't because the sums don't add up. That's why a Labour government will extend free childcare to 25 hours a week and double to amount of childcare places available at Sure Start centres.”

Discussing Labour’s childcare pledge, Judy Horne from Plymouth said: "I'm a proud mum and the extra free childcare will mean I can return to the job I love in the NHS when my son is old enough."

Alison McGovern MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Childcare and Children, said: "These figures lay bare the extent of David Cameron’s failure – he is badly letting down working families. Since 2010 the failing Tory plan has seen the costs of childcare soar. On top of this, there are over 40,000 fewer childcare places and wages are down £1,600 a year on average."