Written by: Sarah Rogers, Head of Housing Access & Customer Accounts
The summer holidays are a great chance to spend time together, but they can also increase household costs, especially for childcare, activities and keeping children occupied over the six-week break.
If money is already tight, planning ahead can ease pressure and help you avoid unexpected costs.
Find free and low-cost activities.
Many councils and community organisations across the UK offer free or low-cost holiday clubs during the school break, often funded through government schemes to support families.
These may include:
- Free sports and activity camps
- Creative sessions such as art, music or drama
- Events at your local library
- Activities run by community groups
Help with food costs
Some schemes also provide meals, which can help lower food costs during the holidays.
A good place to start is your local council website or by searching for the “Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme” in your area. In England, children who receive benefits-related free school meals may be eligible. Clubs usually begin in July, and booking often requires a code sent with your free school meals information.
Bath Community Kitchen is a local charity that provides a 'pay-what-you-can' service, offering delicious freshly cooked meals and a chance to connect with the community. Everyone is welcome.
📍 Radstock – Every Wednesday, 5:45pm @ The Community Hub
📍 Twerton – Every Thursday, 6:15pm @ The Lighthouse
Some national charities also run lunch clubs and food-based activities across the UK, including FareShare, Make Lunch and FeedingBritain.
Plan your weekly spending
Summer often brings small extra costs, such as days out, snacks and travel, which can add up quickly.
These steps may help you manage those costs:
- Set a weekly spending limit you can afford
- Choose free activities such as home crafts, parks, beaches or nature walks
- Take packed lunches instead of buying food while out
- Look for discounts on days out and activities
A simple plan can help you stay in control and protect money needed for essentials.
Reduce childcare costs
If you have friends or family nearby, why not consider sharing childcare responsibilities. For example, taking turns hosting playdays can reduce the need for paid childcare, and is fun for your children.
If you receive Universal Credit, you may be able to claim back up to 85% of your childcare costs. The childcare provider must be Ofsted registered to qualify.
If you’re a working parent you can apply for tax free childcare, to pay directly to your Ofsted registered childcare provider. For each £8 you pay into the account, the Government will add £2 up to the value of £500 over a 3-month period, per child.
If your child is aged 9 months to 4 years old, you can get 30 hours per week of free childcare for 38 weeks of the year – some childcare providers will stretch the hours over 52 weeks of the year to help with budget management. You apply via the Government website to receive your childcare code, which you need to give to your registered provider. Once your account is set up and the code is active, you need to reconfirm your eligibility every three months.
Check what help you could get with childcare costs
If you need extra support, you can:
- Contact the our Customer Accounts team on 01225 366316 or email customeraccountshelp@curo-group.co.uk
- Call PayPlan on 0800 072 1206. Lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 3pm on Saturdays.
- Visit www.payplan.com/debtadvice to speak to them through live chat or WhatsApp