Solutions sought as cost of childcare continues to rise

Childcare costs in England and Wales continue to rise above the rate of inflation, according to the Daycare Trust's annual survey of what parents are paying. The average cost for a 50-hour nursery place for a child under two is now £152 per week, at a time when average weekly earnings in England were placed at £447. The increase from £144 last year represents a three percentage point rise above the current rate of inflation.