Expensive childcare is a British problem. A two-parent family where both adults earn average wages will spend 27 per cent of their income on childcare, more than double the OECD average of 12 per cent. Unworkable childcare means the 'pay penalty' for mothers is still large, while parental leave entrenches gender inequality at work and at home.
However, despite the consensus on the wish to improve childcare provision, there are big political differences over what should be done.
The Government is investigating a number of options, with Conservative MP Liz Truss thought to be influential. She has argued that cutting red tape, increasing the children-to-adult ratio, and channelling cash to parents (rather than providers) will reduce costs for parents and boost the number of childminders.
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