Cutback Christmas for Brits as half buy fewer presents and change to cheaper supermarkets

EMBARGO: 00.01 Thursday 21st December 

• Parents of younger children more likely to cut back on buying presents for family and friends

• Over half of adults shopping at a cheaper supermarket this Christmas

• Liberal Democrats ask, “After four years of this Conservative government, is anybody better off?”

A new poll commissioned by the Liberal Democrats reveals that as the cost of living continues to bite, many Brits are cutting costs this Christmas compared to last year.

Over half of UK adults (57%) will be shopping at a cheaper supermarket this Christmas as a way to save money this festive season. This rises to over six in ten (64%) of parents with children under the age of 18. 

Parents are also planning to cut back on Christmas presents. Over half (55%) with children under the age of 18 plan to buy fewer presents for family and friends this Christmas. 

Of all adults, half (50%) will go to pubs and restaurants less this year over the festive period. 

Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said: 

“This will go down as the cutback Christmas for so many families who are feeling the pinch. Unfortunately after years of Conservative mismanagement, family finances are being stretched more than ever. 

“After four years of this Conservative government, is anybody better off? 

“Families have been hit by endless tax hikes or seen their mortgage skyrocket after Liz Truss’ disastrous budget. It has been a relentless barrage on millions of people who are struggling to get by, let alone keep up with Christmas traditions. 

“This has to be the last Christmas with the Conservative party in government. It is time to step into a new year and get rid of an out of touch Prime Minister.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors: 

Methodology: Savanta interviewed 2,092 UK adults aged 18+ online between 8th and 11th December 2023. Data were weighted to be representative of the UK by age, sex, region and social grade.

Full results here

Q4. Compared to last Christmas, which of the following, if any, do you intend to do this year as a result of the cost-of-living crisis? Base: All respondents (n=2,092)