Cheshire charity offers advice for parents facing high costs over summer holidays

A debt charity is urging people to ask for help if they are struggling with the costs of the summer holidays

StepChange, which supports parents all over Cheshire, revealed how one in three (33%) parents with at least one child under 18 have no savings for a rainy day, this compares to under one in four (23%) UK adults.

The YouGov survey commissioned by the charity also shows one in six (16%) parents with at least one child under 18 have used a credit card to pay for essential household bills from April-June, compared to one in ten (10%) UK adults.

Simon Trevethick from StepChange is urging people to reach out for support if they feel they need it. He said: "If things do become more difficult then it's always important to reach out for help or to seek advice before things get too difficult.

"Getting in touch with StepChange or another debt advice provider can really help you to manage your money and to make sure you're not falling into longer-term debt."

The charity have issued advice including:

• 'Plan your summer budget: It might sound simple but having a detailed budget can help to keep track of your finances and how much disposable income you have to go toward activities, food, any planned holidays and other costs.'

• 'If your child is eligible free-school meals, you should check what your local council has on offer as part of the Holiday activities and food programme, which provides healthy meals, enriching activities, and free childcare places to children from low-income families.'

• 'Many large supermarkets offer ‘kids eat free’ or for £1 deals, which is worth checking out at your local supermarket.'

• 'Check out what’s on offer from your local library. There are often lots of free or cheap activities on offer.'

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