‘Challenging summer’ for children in struggling families

• 44% parents in low-income households likely to need a foodbank
• Parents say holidays ‘another mountain to climb’
• 52% parents in low-income households worried about their child’s mental health this summer

As the long school holiday gets underway, a survey suggests low-income families face a particularly challenging summer with parents feeling more worried this year than last about being able to afford things for their children.

The survey of 1,058 UK parents receiving income-related benefits by Child Poverty Action Group found that although many parents welcome the chance to spend time with their children, 48% are more worried about being able to afford things for their children this summer holiday, compared to last year. This rises to 69% of lone parent families.   

Parents report they will struggle to pay for food and snacks and other basics for their children, such as suncream. They also fear children will miss out on the fun experiences we associate with summer, with families saying they can’t afford trips to the beach, sports clubs or small treats like an ice cream.   

Concerningly, over half of parents questioned (52%) were worried about the continued pressure on living standards taking a toll on their children’s mental health this summer. Being subject to bullying and children spending time alone were highlighted by half of respondents as a risk resulting from the lack of money over the holidays this year.

Head of education policy at Child Poverty Action Group Kate 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.

Affording the basics:

• 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. 23% of parents said they will struggle to provide adequate meals for their children and 28% said providing snacks will be difficult.
• Most parents (57%) said they would need more support this summer holiday, compared to last year.
• 23% said buying toiletries such as suncream for children would be challenging or impossible this summer. 

Summer experiences: 

• Nearly two in five parents (39%) said they would find it either difficult or impossible to afford a day out with their children eg, to the beach or to the zoo, and 41% said it would be difficult or impossible to afford activities for children such as sports clubs or the cinema. 59% of lone parents said a day out with children would be difficult or impossible to afford.
• 35% of families said buying small treats for children such as an ice cream or fish and chips would be difficult or impossible this year.
• Travel costs were raised as a barrier with 35% of parents saying their children would often or always miss out on going places if it required paying for travel.  

Children’s health and wellbeing:

Parents are concerned about the knock-on effect of reduced living standards on their children this summer, including on their mental health.

• 52% are worried about their children’s mental health this summer and 48% are worried about their children’s physical health.
• Parents are also concerned about their children being picked on by others (50%) and them spending more time alone (55%) because of lack of money.
• Nearly half of families (47%) were worried about how their current housing circumstances eg, cramped conditions or insecure housing, would affect their child over the holidays

Childcare:

• 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.
• 36% say lack of childcare means their ability to work over the holidays is affected.
• However, parents also shared that one of the things they most enjoy about the summer holidays is being able to spend time with their children. 

Parents say: 

“I don't know how I'm going to put food on table let alone days out.” (Survey respondent)

“I can't afford to do a lot with him during the holidays before college starts. 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).” (Sadie Q, Changing Realities parent)

“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.” (Ollie U, Changing Realities parent)

Notes to editors: 

The nationally representative, online survey of 1,058 UK parents on income-related benefits with at least one child aged 4-18 years, was carried out by Survation for CPAG between 10-17 July 2025. Respondents included working and non-working parents. Across the UK, around 40% of households with children receive income-related benefits. Source: CPAG's calculations from DWP, Households on Universal Credit, March 2025 & DWP, Households Below Average Income 2023/24

* Changing Realities is a participatory online project working with 200 parents and carers living on a low income across the UK. It is a collaboration between parents and carers, academics at the University of York and CPAG, supported by artists and creatives. 

CPAG press contact Jane Ahrends 07816 909302