To think that if there was low cost childcare in the UK then Cameron wouldn't need to whine about benefit scroungers?

[ChristinedePizan]

We are on holiday in France at the moment and I'm really impressed by the state's provision for childcare. Pre-school is free from the age of 3 and there is wraparound childcare either side of school from 7.30am - 6.30pm. At a cost of £1 an hour. If we had that in the UK it would make it worthwhile to go to work even if you were low paid. Whereas if you're paying the school £5/hour then if you're earning NMW it's really not worth it.

The problem is lack of childcare, but much more importantly, high house prices and rents. That is what keeps people in a benefits trap. How else can someone in a McJob pay £1000 plus in rent a month for a 3 bed terraced house?

I knew someone would mention France and low and behold it was the OP herself.

I watched Sicko by Michael Moore and was blown away by France's system.

child care should be tax deductible as it is essential if you want to go out to work - more essential than other work-related expenses like a company car!

I find it v depressing that women on quite low wages, end up paying most of their takehome pay to another women on even lower wages to take care of their child...