Parents Struggle To Cope With Additional Costs Of Summer Holidays

Parents in Northern Ireland are struggling to cope with the additional costs of the summer holidays , according to Debt Action NI.

The money and debt service provider said that with Northern Ireland having longer summer holidays than England and Wales, families here are hit harder.

Gemma Willis from Debt Action NI said: "Those most vulnerable or low income families find the summer holidays a stressful time and can lead to those getting into debt to manage children's expectations and the sheer cost of having extra mouths to feed for two months. A report recently published by Morrison's stated the average debt accrued throughout the summer holidays could reach up to as much £500 per household1. Meanwhile as children go back to school, the added cost of school uniforms lead to further financial strain. According to an American Express report the average school uniform cost in Northern Ireland is £202 per child and is £25 higher than the UK average of £177.30. It’s no wonder families struggle to make ends meet."

The advice charity, which has helped 16,000 clients deal with £225 million of debt since August 2012, said the actual cost of summer really adds up when increased grocery bills, childcare costs and entertainment including days out put a strain on the family purse.

Working parents are also affected over the summer months with increased childcare and food costs. A report recently published by Kellogg's stated that 1/3 of parents skipped a meal so that their child could eat during the school holidays.

David McAuley, Chief Executive of The Trussell Trust, which runs 18 foodbanks across Northern Ireland said: "Nearly 400,000 children were given 3 days emergency food by a Trussell Trust foodbank between April 2014 and March 2015, up 70,000 from the year before. As we enter the school holiday period it is a particularly tough time for families and single parents. Many of the people with children we meet in foodbanks face additional pressures ranging from disability, mental health issues, family tragedy and domestic violence. Trussell Trust is working in partnership with Advice NI and others to try to support and ultimately prevent people from reaching crisis point."

(CD/LM)