Childcare operator G8 Education has blamed costs including a 5.75 per cent increase in award wages for a decision to lift prices for the second time in six months, vindicating the Reserve Bank’s concerns about inflationary pressures stemming from the services side of the economy.

Fees are increasing an average of 3.88 per cent across Gold Coast-based G8’s 430 centres, which trade under brands including Pelican Childcare and Kinder Haven, ahead of increased government subsidies coming into effect next month.