Research by the Turn2us campaign revealed some parents could not afford presents for their children
One in five children may not get a Christmas present this year as parents say they cannot afford to buy gifts without plunging into debt, research reveals today.
A heartbreaking report by anti-poverty charity Turn2us warns people will descend deeper into financial hardship and could turn to credit cards, loans and overdrafts to get through winter.
A Censuswide study of 2,500 working age people shows 52% of parents are worried about how they will fund Christmas.
One in 10 cannot afford heating or food, one in eight cannot afford rent or mortgage costs, and one in four cannot afford to travel to see friends or family.
Turn2us said longstanding problems have been worsened because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Chief executive Thomas Lawson said: “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.
“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.”
Labour hoped the temporary £20-a-week hike in Universal Credit – announced in March and due to end in April – would be extended.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “Every parent deserves to be able to give their child a magical Christmas morning, especially after such a tough year.
“Britain’s families are struggling and need support to get through this crisis – but the Government’s answer is a £20 a week cut to Universal Credit.
“The sad reality is had the Government made different choices and strengthened our social security system, fewer children would be in poverty this Christmas.”
A financial expert feared people would worsen their plights by turning to high cost credit over the festive season.
Sarah Pennells, head of financial capability at insurance firm Royal London, said: “Christmas can put a real strain on our finances at the best of times, but the coronavirus pandemic has meant that millions of people have seen their income reduce or disappear entirely.
“It’s understandable that people may feel they have no other choice but to borrow money to pay for essentials or presents, but that could make things even worse if they can’t afford to pay it back.”
A Government spokeswoman said:“We are committed to supporting the lowest-paid families, introducing£170m to help children and families stay warm and well-fed this Christmas, raising the living wage and boosting welfare support for those in need.”
