Childcare Costs Force Parents into Debt, Survey Reveals

A recent survey indicates that nearly half of English parents of under-fives are using savings or incurring debt to cover childcare expenses, highlighting a growing financial strain.

• Nearly half of parents in England report using savings or taking on debt to afford childcare, with single parents disproportionately affected.
• Government initiatives to provide free childcare hours are met with skepticism amid concerns over funding and provider availability.
• The cost of childcare consumes over a quarter of household income for more than half of the surveyed parents, pushing many mothers to reconsider their employment.
• Campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed warns that the financial burden of childcare could make parenting a 'luxury item,' impacting the economy.
• Efforts to expand childcare support face challenges, including a 'baffling' system and doubts about reducing overall childcare costs.

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