Charity survey highlights Christmas debt fears

One in five parents say they cannot afford to buy gifts without getting in to debt, according to a new survey.

The survey by the charity Turn2us found more than half of parents (52%) are worried about how they will afford Christmas in general.

Around one in 10 can’t afford heating or food; one in eight can’t afford rent or mortgage costs; and one in four can’t afford to travel to see friends or family.

More than half (56%) of single parents said they are worried about how they will pay for Christmas this year, compared to 39% of the general population.

And a third (36%) of single parents can’t afford travel this year, compared to 21% of general population.

A quarter (26%) of 26% of BAME people said they can’t afford presents this year, compared to 14% of white people, while 18% of BAME people said they can’t afford heating this year, compared to 9% of white people.

The survey also found 52% of disabled people are worried about how they will pay for Christmas this year, compared to 36% of able-bodied people.

‘This year has been a disaster for people’s incomes. Jobs have been lost, businesses closed – and savings have been wiped out. Many of us will now only be able to afford Christmas by using credit,’ said Turn2us chief executive, Thomas Lawson.

‘What is truly unfair is how disproportionately the coronavirus pandemic has affected Black, Asian and other people from minoritised communities, those on low incomes, individuals with a disability, single parents, and young people.

‘Everyone deserves a break this year and households must be able to put hot food on the table and a couple of gifts under the tree for their children.  Our government has a duty to provide an inclusive economy for all, which includes reforming and fixing our social security system,’ added Mr Lawson.

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