We want the Chancellor to care about childcare costs

Anne Wilkinson, who heads up a local Save the Children group in Tatton, organised a photo stunt outside the local constituency office of George Osborne.

I joined Anne and other group members and residents of Knutsford to show support for the launch of our campaign to help low-to-middle income families with the high cost of childcare.

Holding up placards with “Make Work Pay” and “Childcare Costs Jobs”, the group wanted to draw George Osborne’s attention to the need for him to give families the support they need with childcare costs.

No family should be priced out of work because of childcare costs

Making Work Pay — The Childcare Trap is the new report by Save the Children and Daycare Trust.

It shows that many low-income parents, especially those in severe poverty (earning £12,000 or less), are being priced out of work because of childcare costs.

41% of parents in severe poverty affected by the cut in support through tax credits said they would consider giving up work and 25% said they’re considering reducing their hours.

Cutting back on essentials

Parents are also cutting back on household essentials like food, as many pay the equivalent of their mortgage or rent each month on their childcare.

Hana a local mum said: “I’m a potter by profession but I could never afford good quality childcare. It’s shocking how much it costs. I’ll wait until my son goes to school before I can start work again.”