THE Labour parliamentary candidate for Thurrock has slammed the government for the “soaring” cost of childcare.

A recent report by The Family and Childcare Trust found childcare has soared by 23 percent in the East of England in this parliament, meaning that families are now spending £1,533 more this year than they did in 2010.

Candidate Polly Billington said: “The cost of childcare is rocketing while wages aren’t rising fast enough.”

She added: ‘I’ve spoken to lots of mums and dads who say family life is coming under increasing pressure. Jackie Doyle Price has let down working families in Thurrock.

“These figures lay bare the extent of her government's failure .The costs of childcare soar. On top of this, there are over 40,000 fewer childcare places and wages are down £1,600 a year on average.”

Alison McGovern MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Childcare and Children, visited Stifford Children's Centre yesterday, and spoke about Labour’s offer to help working families in tough times.

Miss McGovern said “Labour gets that Britain only succeeds when working families succeed. Our plan offers a better future for families struggling against the soaring cost and lack of availability of childcare, extending free childcare for working parents of three and four year olds from 15 to 25 hours, guaranteeing access to childcare for parents with primary age children through their local school, and delivering at least 50,000 more childcare places by doubling the number available at Sure Start centres.”