‘Everything’s so expensive I can’t even take my child to the seaside this summer’

A single mother in South Wales described the rising cost of living as “ridiculous,” citing the difficulty of affording basic necessities for herself and her child during the summer holidays. Sarah, 46, who lives with her 11-year-old daughter, Sabrina, said she would likely remain indoors all summer, avoiding expenses such as food and entertainment. The situation reflects a broader crisis among parents relying on government support during term-time, which disappears during the holidays, creating a financial gap that many struggle to fill. New polling conducted by Action for Children and Nationwide reveals that nearly three-quarters of parents, 72 percent, who receive universal credit and have school-age children are worried about paying bills during the summer. Over 60 percent expressed concerns about the cost of childcare and children’s activities. As of February 2026, there were 3.1 million families with children receiving universal credit. During the school year, these households often benefit from programs such as free school meals, subsidized trips, and school-based sports clubs. According to survey results, 70 percent of 2,000 parents interviewed relied on at least one of these supports. However, this assistance is largely unavailable during the six-week summer break, leaving families with a financial void. Sarah explained how this absence affects daily life. With her daughter attending primary school, she previously received free school meals and participated in a breakfast club. Without these, she will need to cover two meals each day, adding to the already high cost of living. She noted that prices have risen sharply, making everyday purchases increasingly difficult. Sarah admitted to using a “Buy Now Pay Later” scheme to afford household items, such as a washing machine. While the upfront cost was £320, the total payment through the financing option came to £465 due to the annual percentage rate. She criticized the system, calling the interest charges “horrendous.” Her experience highlights the challenges faced by many low-income families, who are forced to make tough decisions about spending. Catherine Joyce, national director for England North at Action for Children, emphasized the impact of the cost of living crisis on families. She stated that frontline workers observe the difficult choices parents make daily, particularly during the summer months when opportunities for play and enrichment are limited. Joyce called on the new prime minister to prioritize addressing the financial strain on children and families. In response to the growing concern, Labour has introduced a Great British Summer Savings Discount Scheme aimed at reducing the cost of family activities. Announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in May, the initiative includes a temporary reduction in value-added tax (VAT) on selected family-oriented activities. The policy began on 25 June and is set to last for nine weeks, ending on 1 September. This measure is intended to provide some relief to families struggling with the rising cost of living during the summer. As the cost of essentials continues to climb, more families are reportedly delaying rent or mortgage payments, or turning to alternative financing options. For Sarah, the decision to avoid going out during the summer is a practical necessity, reflecting the broader economic pressures affecting millions of households. The situation underscores the urgent need for targeted support to ensure that families can enjoy the holidays without financial hardship.