Balancing a career and raising a child is a challenge faced by most parents. But as the cost of living crisis hits and prices are soaring, those with young children are calling on the government to do more to support them.
Allie Cusick, 35, is a working mum living in Cheshire with her husband David and four-year old son Monty. Allie and David both work, and split Monty's childcare between three days at pre-school, one with a childminder, and one with David's parents. But Allie told the Manchester Evening News that the pair have noticed a huge hike in the cost of childcare.
Compared to three years ago Allie says she is now paying around £10 per hour more on childcare - which can regularly equate to almost £100 more per day. She has been forced to cut down her working hours and change jobs to make sure they can care for Monty - but will be protesting in Manchester this weekend to ask the government for more support.
