Many families find their finances stretched to breaking point over the school holidays, according to findings of a survey carried out on behalf of the Salvation Army charity.

YouGov sampled 4,263 adults online during the period 7-12 August 2013.

Key findings

• 40 per cent of adults with children aged 16 or under worry about being able to afford the 'basics' – such as the costs of meals, clothing and keeping their children occupied – in the holiday weeks.
• 45 per cent of those in the lower-income (C2DE) social groups are more likely to be worried about providing the basics for their families over the summer than at other times of year.
• 39 per cent of respondents couldn't afford to take their children on a week-long break this year in the UK or abroad.

Source: Press release 22 August 2013, Salvation Army
Link: Salvation Army press release