UK families fear ‘cost of Christmas crisis’

FAMILIES are already worried about a “cost of Christmas crisis”, according to a survey.

A study by the parenting website Mumsnet found most families are more worried about the cost of the festive season than they normally would be.

A survey of more than 1,000 users of the site found that two out of five are more likely to buy gifts that people need rather than want.

A comparison with last year also showed a 31 per cent drop in the number of users who plan to donate to food banks over the festive period, with many saying that they can no longer afford to do so.

Respondents said they were particularly worried about the effect of the rising cost of energy. Comments from those who took part in the survey included: “Very worried. We can’t afford the heating this winter, or cost of living rises, so we are expecting to be poor, cold and miserable as we cannot afford gifts for our children.”

Another said: “Worried – might have heating for Christmas Day, but not any other day in winter. Where am I going to find the money for presents as most [of ] the money saved has gone on fuel and energy. Worried, scared and upset.”

Justine Roberts, founder and chief executive of Mumsnet, said: “We knew from our forums that, like families across the country, Mumsnet users are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

“But we were shocked at the level of fear and apprehension that this research revealed. Mums told us repeatedly that rather than looking forward to the festive season, they are – in their words – “sick with worry” about the cost of Christmas.

“We’ve heard precious little so far from both candidates for the Tory leadership on how they will tackle soaring energy bills, sky-high childcare costs and ever increasing food and fuel bills. This has to change.

“The next prime minister must take office with a plan to immediately ease financial pressures on families, or this winter could be catastrophic.”

31pc

The drop in the number of Mumsnet users who plan to donate to food banks over Christma, many say they cannot afford it