Families in Wyre Forest tell me time and again how much childcare costs eat into the family budget. For many it’s difficult to make ends meet.

Families hit by a cost-of-living crisis are seeing wages fall as prices rise. Childcare costs have soared 30 per-cent under David Cameron. With childcare costs in the West Midlands up 29% since 2010. At the same time, childcare places have fallen by 8,384 and Ministers have cut support to help make childcare affordable through tax credits for 6,700 families.

Childcare is a key barrier to enabling many mums, and it still is mainly mums, back to work after they’ve had a baby. Sky-high childcare costs mean work doesn’t pay and mums that want to work more hours can’t afford to.

Labour understands this problem. That’s why our plans to extend free childcare for working mums and dads with three and four year olds has been such a hit across Wyre Forest. Parents tell me this will make a real difference.

Wyre Forest mums could be helped back into work or to work the hours they want in the West Midlands thanks to Labour’s childcare pledge. A parent could work part time for the first time without having to worry about childcare costs. Worth £1500 per child this will help boost the economy and help make work pay. 45,700 children in the West Midlands will benefit.

Labour will also introduce a primary childcare guarantee to help mums and dads manage the logistical nightmare of organising before and after school care.

Hard-working parents in Wyre Forest will be better off with Labour. We’ll tackle Cameron’s childcare crunch and help make a difference for mums and dads.

Dr Matt Lamb, Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Wyre Forest.