Norfolk mum calls on government to invest in childcare so more can afford kids
Early Years Alliance expect 90% of nurseries to increase their rates by an average of eight percent
Last updated 16th Feb 2023
A mum from Norfolk's calling on the Government to invest extra cash into childcare, so more can afford to have kids
It comes after the Early Years Alliance say they expect 90% of nurseries to increase their rates by an average of eight percent to cover rising costs.
With many across the country likely to increase fees by a thousand pounds this year.
"The birthrate is on the decline"
Rebecca Wright lives in Norwich, and campaigns against maternity discrimination.
"Just with everything else going up in cost, I think that it's totally unreasonable to expect parents to swallow that hike.
"The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) back in November did research which suggests that the UK is already the most expensive country in the world for childcare.
"The birthrate is on the decline and that's partly because people can't afford to have kids. I know I can't afford to have another child, and that's the biggest cut back for me.
"If people want doctors, teachers, cleaners and binmen in 20 years time, we've got to recognise that this is really important".
"It's gone up by over the rate of inflation"
"I started off paying £56 a day, less than two years ago. We've had a childcare increase already in the last six months and it's gone up again to £70 a day. So it's gone up by over the rate of inflation.
"We have got our remortgage coming up and that's an extra £500 a month. The costs are going up and if anyone is in a less fortunate position than myself I'm not sure how anyone would be able to cope".
What has the Government said about all this?
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
“We recognise that families and early years providers across the country are facing financial pressures.
"We are currently looking into options to improve the cost, flexibility, and availability of childcare – ensuring that any plans we bring forward focus on improving outcomes for children.
“We’re investing millions in better training for staff working with pre-school children and have set out plans to help providers run their businesses more flexibly.”