Our People

Ryan Shorthouse looks at why we shouldn't be concerned about the fall in university applications despite the headlines.

Those OECD countries with higher female employment tend to have higher economic growth. The availability of childcare, now more than ever, is therefore essential. The Government was right in the Autumn Statement to extend the free entitlement – 15 hours' free childcare – to the 40 per cent most deprived 2 year olds. But the majority of childminders have been unable to deliver the free entitlement to date. That needs to change if parents are to be able to take advantage of the new offer says Ryan Shorthouse.

The paper demonstrates how childcare affordability has deteriorated and will continue to decline in the years ahead.