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Childcare costs rising faster than wages, says TUC
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Sep 3, 2018By Rachel Lawler
Childcare costs for children under five are increasing faster than wages, according to from the Trades Union Congress (TUC).
The TUC says that average fees for childcare have increased 52% since 2008, while the average wage has gone up by just 17%.
Increased fees
Average fees in England are now said to be £236 a week for a child under the age of two and £232 a week for a child over the age of two. This is up from £159 and £149, respectively, in 2008.
The TUC says that this increase has occurred in spite of the various childcare funding schemes offered by the government.
Additional funding
Frances O’Grady, general secretary at the TUC, said: “Despite the government support families still face eye-watering nursery bills. Britain’s cost of living crisis is having a huge impact on working mums and dads.â€
The TUC has recommended that the government gives local authorities more funding to spend on childcare provision and is calling for increased support for parents through tax credits and universal credit.
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