'I don't know how I'm going to put food on table let alone days out in summer holidays'

Almost half of parents (48%) are more worried about being able to afford things for their children this summer holiday compared to last year, grim research shows.

This rises to 69% for lone parents, a survey by theChild Poverty Action Group (CPAG) found. Some 45% of parents say the cost of childcare is a challenge over the summer and 29% say they have to borrow money or go into debt to cover these costs, the study found.

Parents said they will struggle to pay for food and snacks and other basics for their children, such as sun cream, as well as fun activities like sports clubs, a trip to the beach or small treats like an ice cream.

Some 44% of parents said they will likely use a foodbank this summer holiday and two in five families (39%) said they would likely use a clothing bank.

And more than half of parents (52%) said they were worried about the continued pressure on living standards taking a toll on their children’s mental health this summer, while 48% said they were worried about their child's physical health.

READ MORE: School holiday childcare costs surge to more than £1,070 - see price comparisons

One parent told the survey: “I don't know how I'm going to put food on table let alone days out.” One mum, speaking about their son, said: “The money is just enough to pay the bills and buy essentials. I do feel for him because as a family we can't enjoy outings or short breaks during the summer holidays (which were fun at one time).”

Another parent added: “It [the summer holiday] should be a happy time, but for many people, it's just another mountain to climb. I wish there was more low-cost or free help for families during the holidays. We do our best, but it doesn't always feel like it's enough.”

Head of education policy at CPAG Kate Anstey called for the two-child benefit limit to be scrapped.

CPAG research estimates that ditching the Tory-era policy, which restricts claims for Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit to the first two children, would lift 350,000 children out of poverty and mean 700,000 children are in less deep poverty.

Ms Anstey said: “This research shows there will be more worry than wonder this summer for millions of desperate families who can’t make ends meet. Ministers have promised better living standards and opportunity for all but with children facing another summer cut off from fun and friends - much more action is clearly needed.

“Government’s autumn child poverty strategy must restore investment in support for families – including abolition of the two-child limit – otherwise a generation of children will be left behind.”

A government spokesman said: “We recognise the school holidays can be a pressurised time for parents, which is why this government is putting pounds back in parents’ pockets both during the holidays and in term time.

“We are also continuing to fund free holiday clubs through the Holiday Activities and Food programme which provides six weeks of activities and meals for any child from a low-income family who needs it.”

::: Survation surveyed 1,580 UK parents on income-related benefits with at least one child aged 4-18 years for CPAG between July 10-17.

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