Parents in our region 'most likely to go hungry to save money' as Hull council plans household support
Almost a quarter of parents in Yorkshire and the Humber say they've gone hungry to save money.
New data from Parentkind has revealed that 23 per cent of parents in the region have skipped a meal in the last year to save cash, making the parents in the region the most likely to go hungry in the country. The national average is 17 per cent.
Parentkind has released its annual National Parent Survey, conducted by YouGov, outlining how the region compares to the rest of the UK on a variety of topics such as fuel poverty and parents' mental health.
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The report shows that 36 per cent of parents in the region have rationed their heating in the past 12 months with 21 per cent reporting getting into debt each month.
A particularly worrying part of the survey related to parents' mental health. Almost 1 in 4 (24 per cent) parents in Yorkshire and the Humber are unhappy most of the time, the report has found.
"When parents are struggling with their mental health that has a directly effect on children," Parentkind's director of research and policy, Frank Young, said.
Mr Young explained the importance of Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) which raise money to cover costs that fall to parents such as school trips and uniforms. He said: "We've got to look really seriously at the hidden costs of schools", adding that "there's a lot that local authorities, local mayors and politicians can do to help set up PTA groups that really help parents in need".
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Jason Elsom, CEO of Parentkind, said: "Too many parents tell us they are unhappy most of the time, with parent mental health concerns a big worry. Parents are missing work because they are suffering with mental health problems. Many parents are struggling to make ends meet and have only a few hundred pounds left in the bank for a rainy day. It’s no wonder the cost of school worries parents, with all the little extras adding up."
Leader of Hull City Council, Mike Ross, said: "Unfortunately, we already know that families in Hull are struggling to afford even the essentials. We are historically a city with higher levels of deprivation and this has only been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis. We have been clear throughout that this is a national crisis which needs a national solution and have repeatedly urged the previous and current governments to retain and extend the Household Support Fund.
"The government recently confirmed it would do so, and we are now finalising plans for how the council and its partners can ensure money is spent and support directed where it is needed most. Plans will go before cabinet on October 28.
"In previous years we have provided direct payments to people, established warm spaces, supported low-income families with buying school uniform, and distributed essential items including slow cookers and electric blankets. The council’s Healthy Holiday scheme has also shifted focus during the Christmas break to deliver family-focussed support, including vouchers and hot meals alongside activities.
"Our Family Hubs also provide support, including sessions on cooking where families have a meal to take home at the end, and can provide advice on where to access support, including benefits."