Millions of single parents will face a financial crunch in April as essential household bills rise, leaving them more vulnerable to price shocks. But while the rising costs may cause strain, there are some positive developments – including increased benefits and wages.
A series of essential household bills are set to rise at the start of April, with single parents among those most affected. Water bills, energy prices, and council tax are all increasing, while the minimum wage is also rising.
According to the US Census Bureau, in 2020, approximately 27% of families with children under the age of 18 were maintained by single parents.
This number has steadily increased over the past few decades due to various social and economic factors.
Many 'single parents' face significant challenges in balancing work and childcare responsibilities, often relying on support systems such as family members or government assistance programs.
The Financial Strain on Single Parents
The charity Citizens Advice warns that millions of people on low incomes already struggle to make ends meet. For single parents, a greater proportion of their money goes towards essential spending, leaving them more vulnerable to price shocks. A host of price rises are kicking in, including the costs of a TV licence, car tax, broadband and phone bills.
The Impact of Rising Bills
Households in the lowest 10% for income already spend around two-fifths (41%) of their earnings on water, energy, broadband and car insurance bills. This is significantly more than those on higher incomes. Single-adult households and families with children are particularly affected, spending up to 20% or more of their post-housing income on these bills.
The Silver Lining: Increased Benefits and Wages
While the rising bills may cause financial strain, there are some positive developments. ‘Benefits and the state pension are increasing in April, while wages have risen at a faster pace than inflation.’ The minimum wage for over-21s has now risen by 6.7%, from £11.44 to £12.21 an hour.
Minimum wage is the lowest amount an employer can pay an employee per hour for their work.
It varies by country, state, and even city.
In the United States, the federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, but some states have higher rates.
For example, California's minimum wage is $15 per hour.
Employers must pay employees at least this amount to avoid fines and penalties.
Minimum wage laws aim to protect workers from exploitation and ensure fair compensation for their labor.
Coping with the Rise in Bills
While some bills may be unavoidable, there are ways to cut costs and keep them as low as possible. Experts recommend switching providers if you’re out of contract, which can slash broadband, pay TV and mobile bills by up to £235. It’s also worth checking if you’re eligible for council tax reductions or exemptions and could save money by installing a water meter.
The Human Cost
For many single parents, the rising bills are not just a financial burden but also an emotional one. They must balance their desire to provide for their families with the need to make ends meet. ‘I got paid last Friday and it has all gone. I just live day to day.’ Despite the challenges, many single parents find joy in their children and are determined to give them a happy life despite financial difficulties.
The Risk of Financial Instability
The statistics highlight the risk of financial instability for many families. A fifth of families do not have any savings, leaving them at risk. This is particularly concerning for single parents who may struggle to make ends meet even with two incomes.
Dozens of people have shared their experiences of struggling with rising bills through Your Voice, Your BBC News. Their stories highlight the human impact of these changes and the need for support and assistance.
