Money

Cost of living crisis: Christmas leads to months of debt for 1 in 5 Brits

As many as one in five people across the UK could still be paying off Christmas debt up until Easter, as the cost of living crisis and inflation forced prices higher over the festive period.

Credit cards are a growing crutch for some people in the cost of living crisis. Image: Blue Coat Photos/Flickr

As many as one in five people across the UK could still be paying off Christmas debt up until Easter, as the cost of living crisis and inflation forced prices higher over the festive period.

Annual food inflation jumped to 13.3 per cent in December, the highest monthly rate since 2005, but the British public still splurged out on Christmas as the first in three years without the prominent spectre of the pandemic.

“The cost-of-living crisis is having a huge impact on many households and we fear this will get worse if people felt under pressure to overspend during the festive period,” said John Pears, UK managing director of credit management company Lowell, which commissioned the research.

The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, Russia’s war in Ukraine, soaring energy costs, post- Brexit trading troubles and higher interest rates left many individuals and families in an uncomfortable financial position across 2022 with the Christmas period quickly approaching. 

Your support changes lives. Find out how you can help us help more people by signing up for a subscription

The debt aftermath of Christmas this year may be one of the worst yet as Lowell found an almost 50 per cent increase in the use of credit cards to fund the holiday. 

This comes at the same time as spiralling interest rates increased the cost of borrowing. The annual percentage rate on UK credit cards reached an all time high in 2022, leaving those who borrowed under increased pressure to pay their money back quicker.

“While it may seem tempting to use credit to ‘plug the gap’ between your income and outgoings, think carefully before you borrow money,” said Richard Lane, director of external affairs at StepChange Debt Charity said.. “Try not to get drawn into short-term high- cost credit, or options to buy now and pay later if it’s not affordable to you.”

Lowell found there was a more than 55 per cent increase in Brits feeling pressure to buy extra in 2022 in comparison to 2021 and an additional 55 per cent increase in people claiming they bought more than was needed.

Social media activity across platforms such as Facebook, TikTok and Instagram all played a part in the adding pressures to keep up with the trends this year despite rising inflation rates.

Lane said: “Last year saw the price of energy, food and other essentials shoot up incredibly quickly, so it’s not surprising that it’s been difficult for people to adjust their spending habits. Christmas can also put great financial pressure on people.”

Although many still kept up with the high end spending over the Christmas period, others struggled.

A quarter of people cut back on spending due to the cost of living crisis and an additional quarter were concerned about not being able to heat their homes during the freezing holiday period.

Shops such as Aldi, a lower priced supermarket, experienced record Christmas sales this year as more shoppers turned to the discount chain.

However, 40 per cent of Brits opted against credit cards and savings as they were able to used their disposable income to get them through the Christmas period.

“If you are worried about your finances, completing a budget is often the most important first step you can take.  Seeing what you have coming in and going out will help show what you can afford to repay on anything you owe. 

If you are unsure of what to do, contact a free debt advice service like National Debtline, or Business Debtline,” said Jane Tully, director of external affairs and partnerships at the Money Advice Trust.

Get the latest news and insight into how the Big Issue magazine is made by signing up for the Inside Big Issue newsletter

Support your local Big Issue vendor

If you can’t get to your local vendor every week, subscribing directly to them online is the best way to support your vendor. Your chosen vendor will receive 50% of the profit from each copy and the rest is invested back into our work to create opportunities for people affected by poverty.
Vendor martin Hawes

Recommended for you

View all
DWP benefit and pension payment dates for August 2024 – plus universal credit and PIP changes
money
Department for Work and Pensions

DWP benefit and pension payment dates for August 2024 – plus universal credit and PIP changes

Free and cheap things to do with the kids over the 2024 summer holidays
Cost of living

Free and cheap things to do with the kids over the 2024 summer holidays

How to spend wisely and be more Taylor with our free kids' magazine
A colorful illustration featuring a photo of Taylor Swift performing in a sparkly blue dress, surrounded by cartoon-style drawings. The drawings include a disco ball, rainbows, clouds, coins, food items like cheese and canned goods, and various symbols representing money and music. The overall effect is whimsical and vibrant, connecting Swift's stardom with themes of finance and charity.
Sponsored content

How to spend wisely and be more Taylor with our free kids' magazine

July 2024 DWP payment dates for benefits and pensions
uk cash laid out
Benefits

July 2024 DWP payment dates for benefits and pensions

Most Popular

Read All
Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits
Renters: A mortgage lender's window advertising buy-to-let products
1.

Renters pay their landlords' buy-to-let mortgages, so they should get a share of the profits

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal
Pound coins on a piece of paper with disability living allowancve
2.

Exclusive: Disabled people are 'set up to fail' by the DWP in target-driven disability benefits system, whistleblowers reveal

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over
next dwp cost of living payment 2023
3.

Cost of living payment 2024: Where to get help now the scheme is over

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know
4.

Strike dates 2023: From train drivers to NHS doctors, here are the dates to know