Families plunged into debt and hunger by soaring school holiday costs

Families across the country are facing impossible choices as the cost of school holidays continues to rise, with many taking on unsustainable debt, skipping meals and turning to food banks to survive. The report exposes how the removal of routine support such as free school meals during holiday periods, combined with expensive childcare and activity costs, is pushing already stretched household budgets beyond breaking point. For local authorities, the findings underscore the critical importance of robust Early Help and family support services. When families cannot afford basic necessities or holiday provision, children risk isolation, hunger and falling behind their peers. Strategic investment in holiday food programmes, affordable childcare and financial advice services can prevent these challenges from escalating into statutory social care interventions. The data serves as a stark reminder that school holidays, far from being a break for all families, can become a period of acute financial stress. Cabinet members must consider how targeted support, cross-agency working and preventative funding can ensure that the gap between term-time and holiday provision does not leave the most vulnerable children and families without the resources they need to thrive.