Expensive childcare is a British problem. A two-parent family where both adults earn average wages will spend 27 per cent of their income on childcare, more than double the OECD average of 12 per cent. Unworkable childcare means the 'pay penalty' for mothers is still large, while parental leave entrenches gender inequality at work and at home.
However, despite the consensus on the wish to improve childcare provision, there are big political differences over what should be done.
The Government is investigating a number of options, with Conservative MP Liz Truss thought to be influential. She has argued that cutting red tape, increasing the children-to-adult ratio, and channelling cash to parents (rather than providers) will reduce costs for parents and boost the number of childminders.
Labour's position is still evolving, but the early signs are that they are looking closely at the Scandinavian model. At IPPR, we believe that focusing on deregulation and demand-side funding means that families - and wider society - pay a penalty.
Focusing on high-quality childcare leads to better outcomes for children. This, in turn, increases uptake, with higher maternal employment and greater gender equality.
Similarly, group rather than individualised provision roots childcare in the community, and provides institutions for neighbourhoods to interact with to the benefit of all.
Given the cross-party concern around the issue of childcare, this might be a rare moment of common ground in politics. But in supporting the Government's commission, we must make sure the underlying policies support the development of a high-quality, affordable childcare system, which strengthens communities rather than fragments them.
