Many people in the United Kingdom are anticipating a rough holiday season due to rising costs and stagnant salaries.
A survey reveals that two-thirds of individuals are concerned that they will be unable to afford Christmas dinner.
The Salvation Army-commissioned survey estimated the cost of Christmas dinner at £7.50 per person, but as food prices continue to climb, the cost has increased since the survey was conducted on 22 October.
81% of those aged 65 and over and 80% of those in the east of England are concerned.
38% are likely to skip meals if they have an unexpected expense, such as a broken boiler, while 16% plan to use a food bank to obtain their meal’s ingredients.
Dean Pallant, lieutenant colonel of the Salvation Army, stated: “Christmas should be a time of happiness, not sadness.
“The fact that so many individuals fear they won’t be able to afford one of the most significant meals of the year is a warning sign that poverty is spreading in our communities,” the author writes.
The survey also revealed that 14% of respondents cannot afford to buy Christmas gifts for their children, and 18% anticipate spending time in a free facility to stay warm.
Lt. Col. Pallant stated that measures revealed in the autumn statement demonstrate that the government is attempting to assist, but that “its power to stop the encroachment of poverty has been gravely diminished by growing inflation and the generally poor economic picture.”
He proceeded: “This Christmas is expected to be one of our busiest ever, and we are providing as many emergency food boxes as possible to those in dire need, as well as a Christmas supper for elderly individuals who live alone.
“And our Gift Appeal provides Christmas gifts to youngsters who would otherwise have nothing to unwrap.
People who cannot afford to heat their houses will have access to a warm area in many of our buildings, and we will assist rough sleepers so they are not forced to spend Christmas on the streets.
In October, the Office for National Statistics reported that nearly half of British adults were unable to afford their energy bills, rent, or mortgage payments.
This occurs in the context of rising taxes and inflation that is rapidly surpassing earnings.
John, a 64-year-old grandpa and Middlesbrough volunteer, responded to the Salvation Army survey as follows: “I typically have Christmas dinner with relatives, but they cannot afford to host me this year, so I will celebrate at home.
“I’m going to treat it like any other day and have sandwiches for lunch since I’m afraid it will be too expensive to buy and prepare food.
“Christmas is going to be a nightmare for me”
A government spokeswoman said: “We are protecting millions of the most vulnerable households through our £37bn support package, which includes at least £1,200 in direct payments and will save households an average of £900 on their energy bills this winter, in addition to £150 in additional support for disabled individuals and £300 per household for pensioners.
The government’s Household Support Fund, which was increased by £500 million, is assisting vulnerable families in England to pay for necessities.
