Half lower festive spend as cost of living goes up

LABOUR'S cost-of-living crisis is hitting home this Christmas, as millions say they are having to cut back on presents and hosting loved ones.

- BY CHRISTIAN CALGIE Senior Political Correspondent

A poll shows 51% of the public will buy fewer gifts over the festive period as they rein in their spending.

Of 2,100 adults, more than a third said they are also expecting to have fewer guests for Christmas dinner.

Some 45% have cut back on visits to the pub or restaurants, while 55% are plumping for cheaper supermarkets ahead of the big day.

According to analysis, a typical turkey dinner with all the trimmings this year will cost around £32.45 —a 4% increase on last year.

The cost of the bird alone is up more than 7%, partly thanks to a bird flu outbreak in November.

The Liberal Democrats have said the figures highlight a “cost-of-giving crisis”, branding the poll’s findings “depressing”.

Treasury spokesman Daisy Cooper said: “It’s depressing to think that this time of Christmas cheer will be dampened for huge numbers of Brits.