UK Debtline warns that millions will struggle to heat their home this Christmas

New research by the National Debtline outlines that millions of people in the UK will be faced with financial choices this Christmas, leaving them to decide between buying food or buying presents, and then being unable to keep their homes warm.

6.5 million people will reportedly struggle to heat their homes, with 2.7 million choosing between food and presents. Even those who can afford the basic provisions are planning to cut back on the number of presents that they can buy, with 14 million consumers intended to purchase less.

Last month, it was also reported that one in four adults in the UK would be using ‘buy now, pay later’ schemes in the UK, the figure rising to almost half amongst those with children. Citizen’s Advice, who conducted the survey, said that they are bracing for a new year of debt support as millions have turned to companies that allow staggered payments.

Dame Clare Moriarty, the chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “With so many households already on the financial ropes, buy now, pay later borrowing for extra Christmas costs risks delivering the knockout blow.”

Sources:

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2023/dec/06/heat-homes-christmas-uk-national-debtline-food-presents

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/nov/30/uk-buy-now-pay-later-christmas-citizens-advice-credit-household-finances