Nursery World - Call to make childcare free for all as nursery bills 'skyrocket'

A union body is calling for universal free childcare as nursery bills ‘skyrocket’ to over £1,000 a month across England and with costs predicted to rise to £2,000 a month by 2026.

The TUC warns that if childcare costs continue to rise at the same rate, some areas in England could see bills increase to £2,000 a month by 2026, PHOTO Adobe Stock

The TUC wants universal, flexible, high-quality childcare available to all families at the point that paid maternity or parental leave ends.

Childcare costs

It comes as new analysis by the union body reveals that the cost of childcare for under-twos has increased by nearly £3,000 a year in England in the last decade.

According to the TUC, in 2012, the average full-time nursery bill for a family with a child under two was £11,300. In 2021, this cost had risen to £14,200 – an increase of 26 per cent.

The analysis shows that the East of England and the West Midlands have seen the biggest increase to childcare fees.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included