A Britain where people cannot afford to raise children? We see that risk, and won’t let it happen | Bridget Phillipson
Britain is experiencing a family crisis with the lowest birthrates on record, as many young people feel they cannot afford to raise children. Despite significant government investment in childcare, hidden charges and rising costs continue to burden families. The government is reviewing the childcare market to ensure fairness and transparency for parents accessing funded childcare.
- ▪Birthrates in Britain are at their lowest since records began, leading to concerns about family affordability.
- ▪The government is investing £9.5 billion this year in childcare, yet many parents still face hidden charges and high costs.
- ▪The Competition and Markets Authority has been asked to investigate the impact of private equity on childcare costs and practices.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — Politics |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/25/britain-children-billions-families-childcare-nurseries |
| Publication time | Mon, 25 May 2026 11:07:11 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-05-25T11:12:36.628Z |
| Last seen | 2026-05-25T11:12:36.628Z |
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Composite: Guardian Design/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreen Composite: Guardian Design/Getty ImagesOpinionEarly years educationA Britain where people cannot afford to raise children? We see that risk, and won’t let it happenBridget PhillipsonWe are spending billions to help families with childcare, but I fear profiteers are denying them the full benefit. I’ll put a stop to that Bridget Phillipson orders review of hidden childcare charges hitting parents Mon 25 May 2026 07.07 EDTShareBritain is facing a family crisis that politicians do not talk about nearly enough. Birthrates are now the lowest since records began. More and more young people are delaying having children – or deciding they simply cannot afford to have a family at all.
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