''Postcode lottery'' when it comes to choice of where to spend childcare vouchers

Parents planning to spend childcare vouchers this summer face a postcode lottery when it comes to the choice available.

According to research carried out by charity the Daycare Trust (DT), availability of this provision varies between regions.

Only one-fifth of council Family Information Services polled claimed they are confident that they can meet the demand for childcare.

The study also discovered the average cost of this provision per child is £558 - a figure which can be reduced when childcare vouchers are used.

Chief executive of the DT Alison Garnham said the non-profit body is "hugely concerned" about the lack of childcare available in many parts of the UK.

"The recent changes to tax credits mean that many working parents will in future receive less help with childcare costs. This is a seriously bad move and means more help is needed to make childcare more affordable," she remarked.

A "comprehensive approach" to providing adequate care for children must be a priority for the new government, Ms Garnham added.

Earlier this month, the Child Poverty Action Group warned that redundancies could have a knock-on effect on childcare and could force some providers to close down. Back