|
Childcare during the school holidays costs the average family £455.04 for the six weeks off, a survey has revealed. The average increase across the UK has been 3% since a year ago.
But costs vary widely across the UK and many areas in England have experienced an increase in costs since last year’s study by the Daycare Trust. Although the average rise is just 3%, with Inner London and the South West reporting falls in costs, the North East region saw a leap in fees from being one of the least to most expensive areas in the country, rising 19% to an average of £83.20 per week.
The most expensive region in England remains the South East, with costs averaging £87.75, meaning a £526.50 bill for the whole summer. The most expensive holiday care surveyed is in the South East charging a massive £270 per week, or £1,620 for the whole holiday period.
Parents complained about a shortage of affordable and accessible childcare in their areas, making hard for them to plan for the summer, the charity added.
Susan Crane, chief executive of Daycare Trust, said: "The warm summer weather will be cold comfort to parents in the UK who face significant holiday childcare costs. It is at times like these that the benefits of working for some families can become marginal with the cost of childcare consuming a large part of a family’s income."
|
Average childcare costs by region |
|
Area |
Average cost |
Highest cost |
|
Inner London |
£58.36 |
£215 |
|
Outer London |
£79.00 |
£200 |
|
South east |
£87.75 |
£270 |
|
South west |
£75.44 |
£195 |
|
East of England |
£85.50 |
£150 |
|
West midlands |
£69.45 |
£130 |
|
East midlands |
£77.87 |
£138 |
|
North west |
£71.15 |
£180 |
|
North east |
£83.72 |
£150 |
|
Scotland |
£69.78 |
£240 |
|
Wales |
£80.49 |
£250 |
|
Source: The Daycare Trust (Average weekly cost) |
|
Get
this news on your website !
Sponsored listings: