Childcare costs have soared in Ealing and across London but the Government will help thousands of parents.
According to the latest figures from the Labour Party and Family and Childcare Trust, the average cost of a 25 hours nursery place in London is over £140 a week, with the costs rising 20 per cent in the last year.
Labour has, however, announced plans for a primary childcare guarantee and extension of free nursery hours for three and four year olds in working families to 25 hours a week.
The Government announced on March 19 it will provide 20 per cent support on childcare costs.
Dr Rupa Huq , Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Ealing Central and Acton, said: “Parents are unable to return to work and more women are being forced to work part-time because the costs of childcare are out of reach.
“Labour’s commitment would make a big difference- 3,150 three to four year olds in Ealing would be eligible for the additional help, saving parents as much as £1,500 per child.”
Additionally, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Ealing Central and Acton, Councillor Jon Ball, said working families will be given up to £2,000 to ease childcare costs as part of a scheme to be rolled out in autumn 2015.
A spokeswoman from Ealing Mums in Business said: “The main thing for Londoners is that the 15 hours ‘free’ isn’t free, as you have to top up to make it a living wage for the pre-school or nursery staff.
“A childminder is £60 a day and nursery is about £65 a day.
“I can only take on freelance work so I can do drop off and pickup otherwise all the pay goes straight to babysitters.
“We pay £1,765 per month for a full time nursery place for our one child in Ealing. Amazing nursery. Shocking cost.”
