Childcare costs drop 56% - but not for everyone

Childcare costs for under-threes have halved following the introduction of free childcare support last year - but some people still face higher costs

Baby milk bottle filled with gold coins, illustration of childcare costs
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Families in England have seen a significant reduction in childcare costs in the first year after the government rolled out free childcare hours for children under three.

But while working parents are reaping the benefits, others are being left behind as the sector grapples with rising costs and a widening funding gap.

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Ruth Jackson-Kirby

Ruth Jackson-Kirby is a freelance personal finance journalist with 17 years’ experience, writing about everything from savings accounts and credit cards to pensions, property and pet insurance.

Ruth started her career at MoneyWeek after graduating with an MA from the University of St Andrews, and she continues to contribute regular articles to our personal finance section. After leaving MoneyWeek she went on to become deputy editor of Moneywise before becoming a freelance journalist.

Ruth writes regularly for national publications including The Sunday Times, The Times, The Mail on Sunday and Good Housekeeping, among many other titles both online and offline.