More single people needing help than normal- King's Lynn Foodbank
Research shows nearly 4 in 10 are worried spending over Christmas and keeping warm means they'll run out of money before the month's up
The head of a local foodbank tells us their seeing more single people needing their help than normal this winter.
A third of people are expecting to run short of cash before January ends- due to bills and Christmas spending, according to a national survey.
"At a national level we do need to see big changes"
Helen Gilbert runs the Trussell branch in King's Lynn:
"Our supplies are lower than we would hope them to be at this time of the year.
"Normally, three or so years ago, we would be well-stocked with food and that would see us through to around May or June time.
"Unfortunately donations this winter have been down on previous years. I suspect that's largely being driven by many people having to tighten their purse strings.
"The cost of food has gone up dramatically over the last 3 to 4 years, and so people are having to make difficult decisions about where they spend their money.
"At a national level we do need to see big changes. We have been calling for a long time now for a change to Universal Credit to ensure it matches the cost of living.
"We continue to make those calls as benefits are meant to be the safety-net and not charitable support".
Research in more detail:
the majority (51%) of those who will run out of money this month expect to have used up all of their monthly income by Thursday (January 15), according to research for money platform Intuit Credit Karma.
One in seven (14%) people are planning to take out new credit products in January to cover the shortfall and get ahead of their expected debt, the survey suggested.
Credit Karma's platform data indicated that January 8 was the most popular day to apply for credit products in 2025.
"That moment of reflection can quickly turn into concern"
Eleonore Hajek, head of product for UK and Canada at Intuit Credit Karma, said: "The new year is often when people take stock of their finances, but for many, that moment of reflection can quickly turn into concern, especially around mid-January when the reality of festive spending and a longer time between pay cheques catches up with you."
She said those considering a balance transfer card should make sure they understand the terms, and have a clear repayment plan in place, "so January becomes a turning point rather than a pressure point".
Opinium Research surveyed 2,000 people across the UK in December.