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Solutions sought as cost of childcare continues to rise

Childcare costs in England and Wales continue to rise above the rate of inflation, according to the Daycare Trust's annual survey of what parents are paying. The average cost for a 50-hour nursery place for a child under two is now 152 per week, at a time when average weekly earnings in England were placed at 447. The increase from 144 last year represents a three percentage point rise above the current rate of inflation.

The average cost for a 50-hour nursery place for a child under two is now 152 per week, at a time when average weekly earnings in England were placed at 447. The increase from 144 last year represents a three percentage point rise above the current rate of inflation.

Fees in Wales are also up, with the average under-two's nursery place costing 131 per week.

The lowest nursery costs were found in the Midlands and the lowest childminder costs were in the north-west.

London and the south-east typically had the most expensive levels for childcare, with average costs between 180 and 200 per week.

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