MOST UK CHILDREN ‘A PAY CHEQUE AWAY’ FROM GOING WITHOUT ESSENTIALS LIKE FOOD

• As UK marks a month of lockdown, new Action for Children analysis shows over 8.5 million children living in families with savings less than the average monthly income before the coronavirus crisis hit
• With millions of jobs under threat and ongoing problems with UK Government support, families struggle to pay for food and other essentials
• Regional breakdown shows stark divide with 69% of Welsh parents having little or no savings compared to 56% in the South East of England
• Frontline Action for Children staff ‘battling’ to help vulnerable families stay afloat through the charity’s emergency appeal.

A new analysis of official figures by Action for Children today (Thursday 23 April) suggests the majority of children in the UK are living in families with little or no savings to shield them from the unprecedented economic disruption to family finances expected from the coronavirus crisis.

A month into a lockdown that’s seen millions of jobs put at risk¹, the charity’s pre-pandemic snapshot shows at least 8.6 million children – nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of all children in the UK (Wales – 69%) – were living in families with savings less than the average monthly income (£1,569). Half of Welsh children (51 per cent) live in families with no savings at all².

With ongoing problems with Universal Credit³ and delays to vouchers for free school meals4, Action for Children is warning these families are now teetering on the brink and has launched an emergency appeal to help families facing months of hardship, struggling to pay for essentials like food, nappies and utility bills.

Brigitte Gater, national director for Action for Children in Wales, said: ‘Our research shows just how precarious life is for too many families in Wales. Our frontline staff are already pulling out all the stops for families during the lockdown, whether it’s delivering food vouchers or critical mental health services by video link but many are facing further extreme hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

‘We’re supporting struggling families all over Wales through our emergency appeal to help them pay for essentials to keep afloat during this frightening time. We are asking people to donate to Action for Children and directly help those in our communities who are among the worst hit by this unprecedented public health crisis.’

To support Action for Children’s Emergency Coronavirus Appeal which is helping families cover the cost of essentials like food, nappies and utility bills, please visit actionforchildren.org.uk, call 0300 123 2112 or text ACTION to 70175 to give £10.