Cost of living main issue for mums

Most mothers rank the cost of living as the most pressing issue in the UK, above youth unemployment and violent crime, according to a report.

The Asda Mumdex, a panel of more than 5,500 mothers who shop at the supermarket, found 70 per cent say household bills have become less manageable over the past 12 months, with 62 per cent saying they cannot currently afford to turn the heating on for as long as they need and 50 per cent unable to afford to fully fill up their car.

Most of those questioned said the cost of living was their greatest concern, ranking it three times more important than youth unemployment and four times more pressing than violent crime.

Some 68 per cent say they are spending less on family activities than they did a year ago and 55 per cent are saving less than they were.