Exclusive:
The majority of people have made – or plan to make – at least one cutback over the festive period, with some skipping presents or seeing loved ones due to cost
Most Brits are worried about the cost of Christmas, with more than two thirds tightening their belts, a gloomy poll shows today.
The majority (67%) have made – or plan to make – at least one cutback over the festive period, according to research by Survation. More than a quarter (27%) will turn on the heating less or not at all, and a fifth (20%) are buying less food than usual.
Some 16% will scrimp on turning on their Christmas lights to save on their energy bills, while 12% won’t travel to see friends and family due to the cost. One in five (20%) are only buying presents for the children in their life, while 13% don’t expect any gifts this year as their loved ones can’t afford it.
One in 10 (11%) will do a Secret Santa with loved ones to save cash, with 8% not able to afford any presents this year.
The survey, commissioned by 38 Degrees, also laid bare the misery caused by the NHS backlog. As of October 2024, the waiting list stood at 7.54 million appointments, meaning around 6.34 million people were waiting for treatment in England.
A quarter of respondents (25%) were waiting for NHS treatment and almost a third (31%) having a loved one on a waiting list. Nearly a third (32%) said they would be waiting in pain, while 33% feel worried and anxious while waiting for the treatment.
Almost one in five (19%) will be unable to be with loved ones as a result of waiting for NHS treatment. Most Brits are sceptical that the Government can slash the backlog quickly, with 58% saying it would fail to bring waits down next year. Around a quarter (25%) think ministers will succeed in reducing NHS waits.
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Matthew McGregor, Chief Executive at 38 Degrees, said: “These heart-breaking new figures make clear just how much the cost of living and NHS waiting lists crisis continue to hit families where it hurts at what is supposed to be a relaxing and celebratory time of year.
“From making savings on the Christmas shop or only buying presents for the kids in their life to spending the holidays in pain and discomfort due to being stuck waiting for NHS treatment, for many people, sadly this won’t be a season to be jolly.
“Before, during and after the election, the NHS and the cost of living consistently topped voters’ list of concerns. Now it’s time for the PM to make good on the government’s pledges in these areas and give the public what they want for Christmas – shorter NHS waiting times and a real end to the cost of living crisis in 2025.”
:: Survation polled 2,019 people between 4-6 December on cost of living, and 2,030 people on waiting lists from 12-16 December.
