Around 66% of voters in red wall constituencies support introducing a policy of free universal childcare. This is according to a poll conducted on behalf of the Common Wealth think tank, and campaigners Women’s Budget Group and Pregnant then Screwed.

The UK is one of the most expensive countries for childcare costs across Europe. The sector has been under immense financial pressure over the past decade but increasingly so throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector needs an influx of financial support so that nurseries can support staff and parents while remaining open with healthy occupancy rates.

For women especially, the increasing cost of childcare is forcing them out of work or to look for alternative options such as family members to help ease the financial burden.

Another survey published by Pregnant then Screwed revealed that:

“Of 28,000 women who already had a child, or children, 62% said that childcare costs were either the main reason, or a factor in their decision, not to have more children. With 1 in 4 stating that it was the key reason they didn’t have more children.”

Responding to the poll on universal childcare, Jonathan Broadbery, NDNA’s director of policy and communications, said: “Giving all children access to high quality early years education and care will transform their life changes especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Affordable and well-funded childcare is also vital for working families and the wider economy.

“However, this may not be achievable or sustainable for the early years sector, which is facing a chronic workforce crisis and suffering from government underfunding.

“Any promises made to parents must be fully costed and properly funded. Otherwise we will see more nurseries forced to close their doors or reduce the service they can offer families.

“For universal childcare to be a reality, the early years sector needs supporting to recruit and retain more qualified staff. They are currently hamstrung by the poor funding rates which leave them unable to pay staff the salaries they deserve. Tinkering with adult/child ratios is not the answer and risks making the current issues much worse.”