Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Children’s Minister, commenting on the Resolution Foundation and Mumsnet report this afternoon showing that the cost of childcare is a barrier to stay at home mothers working or working more hours, said:

“This is more evidence that the cost of childcare is adding to David Cameron’s cost-of-living crisis and acting as a drag on our economy.

“This Tory-led Government has no plan to tackle the childcare crunch in this Parliament with nursery prices rising five times faster than wages, and childcare costs up 30 per cent under David Cameron’s watch.

“Labour would help families by extending free childcare for three and four year olds with parents at work from 15 to 25 hours, worth £1500 per child. We’d also introduce a primary childcare guarantee to help parents manage the logistical nightmare of before and after-school childcare.”