Cost of living: Thousands of children forced to give up hobbies, say Citizens Advice Scotland

Tens of thousands of children are being forced to give up hobbies as struggling families cut back on costs.

New analysis from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) found that almost half (48%) of adults in Scotland were slashing household spending due to soaring energy costs.

The equivalent of 200,000 people (9%) reported they were cutting back on leisure activities and after-school clubs for their children, according to the poll from YouGov.

Meanwhile, 7% of adults, an estimated 154,664 people, said they were spending less on clothing and accessories for their children.

CAS chief executive Derek Mitchell urged families to seek help – and said the charity unlocked £132m for people through benefits last year.

Study finds thousands of children are missing out on hobbies and after-school activities.

He said: “In the run-up to Christmas, parents will want to treat their kids while balancing the demands of the cost of living crisis.

“This analysis suggest many are having to make the heartbreaking decision to cut back on things for their kids to deal with rising energy bills.

“That is a horrible situation for any parent to be in, and we would encourage anyone worried about energy bills and the cost of living to seek advice from the CAB network.

“We are for everyone, whether they are working or not. We don’t judge, we just help.”

The charity is running Big Energy Saving Winter, a campaign encouraging people worried about bills and the cost of living to seek advice from the CAB network.

YouGov said it questioned 1002 adults in Scotland between November 10 and 14.