Charity warns East Anglia's single parents are being disproportionately hit by cost of living crisis
They say about 90% of single parents are on Universal Credit
Last updated 26th Jun 2023
A leading charity supporting single parents in Norfolk and Suffolk says they are being disproportionately affected by the cost of living crisis.
Gingerbread says around half are being forced to cut back, with many now reliant on foodbanks, or unable to afford activities to entertain their kids during the holidays.
Victoria Benson is Chief Executive of the charity: "They're more likely to be in lower jobs, and almost 90% of single parents will be on Universal Credit.
"With dramatic increases in the cost of living, food prices, housing and childcare, they simply don't have the savings, or a buffer, to afford those increases...
"Increasingly, availability of childcare is a huge issue for single parents.
"Of course, without childcare, they can't take up new job opportunities.
"Most single parents do work, but because they're often stuck in low paid jobs, it just isn't enough to afford the basics."
Victoria also says many won't be heading off abroad for a summer holiday: "For most single parents, a holiday away is a distant dream.
"Most won't be able to afford a holiday, and they certainly won't be able to afford to go abroad. The medium income for a single parent is £15,500 - it's pretty low, and just not feasible."