Jenny Chapman, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Years, responding to the Family and Childcare Trust’s Childcare survey, said:

“This report is yet more evidence that the Tories are just not serious about putting working people first.

“The Tories’ childcare plans are in disarray with the vast majority of areas now facing a shortage of places for three and four-year-olds and a funding shortfall of half a billion. This lack of childcare places is continuing to drive up costs for parents, with families in some parts of the country now faced with paying over £150 a week for a part-time nursery place.

“Without a doubt, the Tories’ pre-election rhetoric on childcare has failed to match reality and it is children, parents and our economy that will pay the price.”