Schools out – But single mum’s struggle to afford a holiday

More than one in three single parent families (37%) can not afford to go on holiday this summer - and the majority of those that are planning a break will stay in the UK – according to new research from community retailer, BrightHouse Stores.

At a time when it has been reported that the cost of living has risen by 26% since 2006, with childcare soaring by more than 70 per cent,* millions of families are having to make cut backs this summer, and single mums appear to be bearing the brunt of financial hardship.

With school holidays around the corner, BrightHouse Stores asked families across the UK people about their holiday plans for the summer months.

Hamish Paton, Director at BrightHouse Stores commented:

“With recent economic forecasts focusing on the average two-parent family, the needs and vulnerability of single parent families seem to have been largely overlooked.

“As a community retailer, we are investing heavily in local social inclusion projects to help single mums across the country overcome prejudices. With more stores launching these initiatives across the UK, we are committed to supporting single parent families through sponsorship programmes for adult education and literacy, as well as helping them run their homes more effectively on a budget.”