Childcare costs more than an average UK mortgage

According to new research from the Family and Childcare Trust, part-time childcare costs for a family with two children have overtaken the average UK mortgage bill by 4.7 per cent

By Chereece Mark

The cost for one child in part-time nursery care and one in an after school club is now £7,549 a year. This compares to the average UK mortgage cost of £7,207. The cost for the same family needing full-time childcare would amount to an overwhelming £11,700 a year, 62 per cent higher than the average UK mortgage.

Twenty five hours of childcare in a nursery for a child under two costs an average of £109.89 a week in Britain – twice the price of a weekly household food shop.

Anand Shukla, Chief Executive at Family and Childcare Trust said:

“When even part-time childcare costs outstrip the average mortgage for a family home – and many parents have to spend more than a quarter of their income on childcare – it’s clear that our childcare system isn’t fit for purpose. We need a childcare system that helps parents who want to work and contribute to the economy and gives children the best start in life. The Family and Childcare Trust wants to see all political parties commit to a long-term childcare strategy that delivers for parents, providers, and crucially, for children.”

In the last five years, the price of part-time nursery care for a child under two has risen by 27%, with parents paying £1,214 more in 2014 than in 2009.

It is clear that families in Britain are facing higher childcare costs than ever before. What could the Government do about this? Should steps be taken to halt escalating childcare costs?

Chereece Mark is a third year law student at the University of Kent and has an interest in family law.