"Family Fortunes" is an investigation into how austerity measures are affecting family lives. It draws on focus group work with families using Family Action children’s centres, combined with a snapshot analysis of the finances of the charity’s Welfare Grants scheme applicants.
Findings in the report show that parents are facing an unprecedented squeeze on incomes – with some parents left with just £2 per person, per day, to spend on food after they have paid their household bills.
It also shows that families want to save for their children’s future, but many cannot afford to. Disadvantaged and vulnerable families, as well as the "squeezed middle", gave a clear message to the Chancellor to protect family incomes. Rising food and fuel inflation, and barriers to getting back to work such as unaffordable childcare and tax credit changes, have left many families fearing for their future.
- For more information on Family Action, or to read the full report go to www.family-action.org.uk/breakingthebank
