Think tank reveals west London child care affordability black spots

Analysis from a think tank shows some parents in west London face childcare fees of almost half of their income.

The data analysed by Nesta shows that for parents living in Hammersmith and Fulham an hour of childcare costs 46 per cent of the median pre-tax hourly wage.

In Kensington and Chelsea, it is only slightly less, with an hour of child care costing 45 per cent of hourly parental income.

The costs become starker for lower earners.

For a single earner on the London Living Wage (£11.95), the median cost of an hour’s childcare (£7.31) is equivalent to around 61 per cent of median pre tax hourly income, or around 72 per cent of take-home pay.

For a London earner on the national minimum wage (£10.42), the equivalent cost rises to 70 per cent pre tax, and 80 per cent post tax.

Tom Symons, Deputy Director of Nesta’s fairer start team said: “We know that families are really struggling and for many that means tough choices between giving up childcare or giving up work.

“This has a big knock-on effect on children and the economy.

“Our childcare system is broken, expensive and in desperate need of reform.”

(Picture: Pixabay)