Parenthood delayed by money worry

four in ten couples are shelving plans to have a family because of money worries, according to a report.

Would-be parents are postponing having a baby for up to four years, according to a survey of 2,412 childless couples.

Saving to buy a home is the leading reason for the delay, while 22 per cent want secure jobs first. Many blamed the soaring price of food, petrol and utilities for feeling unprepared to support a family.

A spokeswoman for Skipton Building Society, which produced the report, said: “The impacts of the global financial crisis over the past four years really are far-reaching and it appears to be affecting traditional family structures as well as people’s personal financial aspirations.”

Nearly half of couples questioned said they feared being older parents as a result.