Childcare costs have spiked under Tories, Labour analysis claims

Childcare costs have spiked by as much as 47% across England since the Tories came to power, according to analysis by Labour.

The party's figures suggest the costs of nurseries and childminders have grown at double or even triple the rate of wages.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said that nurseries were also feeling the pain as they could not afford to provide the 30 hours of free childcare, as set out by the Government last year.

Mr Corbyn, speaking on a visit to a nursery in Watford, said: ''Some nurseries are closing because they can't afford to do the 30 hours for the later years that the Government wants them to do, we're saying there has to be more money put in to the childcare system in order that they can be fully funded and remain open.

''We're actually losing nursery places at a time when we actually desperately need more of them.

''Every parent will tell you if they've got very small children, the difficulties they have in finding a nursery or if they can't find a nursery getting a child minder to look after the child.

''As a community we need to take responsibility for all of our children, that's why we're determined to bring in the 30 hours per week.''

The Labour analysis, compiled with figures based on annual reports by the Family and Childcare Trust, shows the cost of childcare has risen by between 32% and 47% across England since 2010.

Wages have risen by around 16% in the same period.

The average price across England for 25 hours of nursery for a child under two has increased from £88 in 2010 to £124.73 in 2018.

• Nursery for under twos: 41.74%

• Nursery for two and overs: 47.15%

• Childminder for under twos: 33.27%

• Childminder for two and overs: 32.47%

Average rise in childcare costs in England 2010-2018

Over the same period, the price for children aged two and over has risen from £82 to £120.66.

Since 2010, the cost of a childminder for a child under two has increased from £83 to £110.61.

For children two and over, the price has risen from £83 to £101.95.

The steepest price rises have taken place in the North East and London.

In the North East, nursery costs have increased by more than 60%, while in London prices are up by as much as £57.25.

The Government provides 30 hours a week of free childcare for children aged three and four whose parents are in work as part of a flagship Tory scheme.

Children aged two receive 15 hours of free care if their parents receive certain low-income benefits.

In 2019/20, the Government will spend around £6 billion on childcare support, a record amount.

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