KIDS are missing out on summer treats as hard-up parents cut back on lollies, snacks and days out.
Skint families are being forced into making slashing spending during the school hols according to a YouGov poll for Save The Children.
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It shows that almost half (44 per cent) are reducing trips and 55 per cent not buying food and drinks while out and about,
One in ten parents are eating less to pay for childcare costs.
And just under half (49 per cent) said they will be buying their children fewer treats this summer.
Mum Pippa Simons, 54, from Birmingham, who has daughter Amy, 11, said she feels guilty for not being able to provide more.
She said: “The Cost of living is something you worry about all the time.
“It’s horrific and constant stress. I started worrying before she even broke up from school. And now I’ve also got the expensive school uniform because she starts seniors in September.”
“Amy is quite aware of what’s going on. I try not to complain too much about money . . . I feel guilty that she’s picked up on it.
Becca Lyon, head of child poverty at Save The Children said: “All children deserve to have a fulfilling summer holiday with the chance to play, spend time with their friends and family and enjoy new experiences.
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“These findings show overwhelmingly the cost-of- living crisis is putting untold strain on parents over the summer break. ”
The concern comes as Labour warns British staycations are in peril because of soaring inflation, with the cost of camping and bbqs rocketing.
With the nation set to bake, summer grub prices rocket, with bangers up 13 per cent, burgers now eight per cent more, and cheddar costing 15 per cent extra.
Ketchup has risen by 13 per cent while Mayo has soared 23 per cent.
Camping hols have also gone up a whopping 23 per cent
Labour made the dire warning today after analysing official inflation stats from the Office of National Statistics.
Shadow Tourism Minister Jeff Smith said: “The Conservative cost-of-living crisis is hitting families in the pocket, with the cost of camping trips and holiday parks soaring as a result of economic mismanagement.
“Instead of a summer of BBQ fun, families are cutting back as the pound in their pocket is worth less.”
Below we show you how you can treat your kids on a budget.
MONEY is tight – and eating out is more expensive than ever.
The Bank of England has warned inflation – currently at 9.4 per cent – could peak at more than 13 per cent.
So it is little wonder that everyone is cutting back.
But there are ways to cut down the cost of eating out this summer.
From fast food freebies to hidden discounts, The Sun’s Head of Consumer Tara Evans explains how to do it.
Free or £1 meals
SUPERMARKETS, garden centres and restaurants are offering parents extra help over the summer with free or £1 kids meals.
If you have a Tesco Clubcard you can get a free kids’ meal in it 311 cafes until August 26. It means a parent could buy a 60p piece of fresh fruit and get one kid’s meal worth up to £3.25.
Morrisons and Dobbies Garden Centres and are letting kids eat free when you buy an adult meal.
And Asda, Bella Italia, Harvester, Toby Carvery and Sizzling Pubs are doing £1 kids meals.
Bella Italia customers can get the deal between 4-6pm on Monday to Thursday. It’s for 2-11 year olds.
Children under 16 can get a hot or cold meal for £1 at Asda, seven days a week with no minimum adult spend.
Toby Carvery and Harvester’s £1 offer is valid until Thursday August 11 – and you need to buy an adult meal.
Sizzling pubs £1 kids’ meal offer is Monday to Friday, all day until September 2.
Ikea is doing 95p kids meals or £1.50 for a hot meal, jelly, soft drink and piece of fruit.
Swap for discounts
IF you’re got a Nectar card or Tesco Clubcard then you could swap points to get discounts on eating out.
You can get up to three times the value for your Tesco Clubcard points at restaurants such as Pizza Express, Cafe Rouge and Prezzo.
So, 50 points gets you £1.50 to use.
Visit Tesco.com/clubcard for swap points for vouchers.
With Nectar card you can get a hot or iced drink, worth up to £3.45, for 350 points.
You can also get a medium Big Mac and fries meal for £1.99 instead of £5.29 with a McDonald’s receipt.
You’ll need to fill in a quick survey and use the 12 digit code from the receipt to get the discount.
Coupons to drive down full-price dishes
AVOID paying full price when you eat out by using coupons and discounts.
MoneySavingExpert and Vouchercodes.co.uk both list the best restaurant deals and offers.
Check TopCashback and Quidco for cashback offers.
For example, at the moment you can get £1 for booking at a table at Toby Carvery through TopCashback.
If you have a Tastecard then you can get 2 for 1 or 50 percent off on meals at restaurants like Zizzi and Ask Italian
You can get a free 60 day trial via Tastecard.co.uk.
Remember to cancel, or it’s £35.88 a year.
With Meerkat Meals you get 2 for 1 on meals between Sunday to Thursday at restaurants like Toby Carvery and Pizza Hut.
You’ll need to switch bills, buy insurance or successfully apply for a financial product to get the discount – but membership lasts for 12 months.
You can take out an insurance policy for as little as £1.
Swap for discounts
IF you’re got a Nectar card or Tesco Clubcard then you could swap points to get discounts on eating out.
You can get up to three times the value for your Tesco clubcard points at restaurants such as Pizza Express, Cafe Rouge and Prezzo.
So, 50 points gets you £1.50 to use. Visit Tesco.com/clubcard for swap points for vouchers.
With Nectar card you can get a hot or iced drink, worth up to £3.45, for 350 points.
You can also get a medium Big Mac and fries meal for £1.99 instead of £5.29 with a McDonald’s receipt.
You’ll need to fill in a quick survey and use the 12 digit code from the receipt to get the discount.
