I have recently returned to work from Maternity Leave and am really frustrated that I am having to pay a higher childcare cost to individuals based in the North of the UK. Although the RAF did not tell me to have a child they have assigned me to this part of the UK. Families that live in married quarters have their housing costs equalled out so they pay the same regardless of where they live, however I am having to pay £931 a month for childcare compared to approx £600 for individuals assigned to the Wolverhampton area (RAF Cosford/ Shawbury). I am already paying a higher mortgage as housing in this area is more expensive (I know living in my own home was my choice) but with such high childcare costs I am being forced into selling my property and moving into married quarters to be able to afford childcare, which is almost half of my wage.
I am concerned about the disparity in costs for childcare within the greater London area in comparison to elsewhere within the UK. I pay an extra £300 a month living here for one child in full time care, compared to the same hours of care (with more extras, food, nappies etc) at RAF Honington or RAF Marham. In total monthly my childcare bill is approx £1600 for one full time and one part time (before and after school). I am working full time for about £400 a month.
Image caption: An RAF Chinook helicopter is loaded into a C-17 Globe master for the long journey back to the UK from Afghanistan. Source: RAF. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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