Budget sets out £4.85 billion investment in Education and Skills
A range of measures to help children, parents and carers with costs around school have been set out in the Scottish Government’s budget. These include expansion of free school meals in primary schools, holiday food provision and investment to ensure the school clothing grant national minimum of £120 for primary pupils and £150 for secondary pupils.
The spending plans for 2023-24 allocates £4.85 billion of funding across the education and skills portfolio, including measures to address the cost of living crisis.
New investment will see free school meals expanded to primary six and seven pupils in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment – the next step in Scottish Government plans to deliver universal free school meals in primary schools.
It also includes £22 million of continued support to provide meals during the school holidays to children who need them most, along with £200 million for the Scottish Attainment Challenge.
In addition, the budget allocates £50 million of funding to continue to support the Whole Family Wellbeing programme of activity, a key pillar of The Promise, to support families to thrive.
Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “I am committed to improving the life chances of all Scotland’s children, young people and learners. The measures set out in these spending plans are driven by our ambition to enable everybody to reach their full potential.
“We know the toll that the cost of living crisis has taken on families and households across Scotland and investment is being made in a range of important measures which will help mitigate the impact of this.
“The expansion of free school meals in primary schools continues, providing a benefit in kind of around £400 per child for families, while the ongoing investment in the school clothing grant and access to digital devices will help those who need it most.
“Our ongoing commitment to free university tuition means that, unlike elsewhere in the UK, Scottish domiciled students do not incur additional debt of up to £27,750, and average student loan debt in Scotland remains the lowest in the UK.
“In Scotland we also have the most teachers-per-pupil, along with the highest per-pupil education spend anywhere in the UK. We will continue to provide local authorities with funding of £145.5 million per year to support the teaching workforce, as part of the overall local government settlement of £13.2 billion.
“Our commitment to closing the poverty related-attainment gap remains paramount and that is why we will invest a further £200 million next year in the Scottish Attainment Challenge – as part of our £1 billion commitment in this Parliament.”
The measures set out in the budget to help reduce the cost of school include:
Providing more than £13 million to uprate the School Clothing Grant in line with inflation.
Investing an additional £16 million resource and £80 million capital to fund the expansion of Free School Meals for all Primary 6 and 7 pupils in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment, as the next step in fulfilling the commitment to universal provision in primary schools
Continuing to invest £22 million to provide meals during school holidays to the children who need them most.
Maintaining subsidy arrangements for the provision of milk and working with partners on a phased approach to the delivery of a universal milk scheme, aligned to the expansion of free school meals.
Investing £20 million towards the commitment to ensure every school-aged child, over the lifetime of the parliament, has access to a digital device to support their learning
Investment of nearly £2 billion towards Scotland’s universities and colleges to support delivery of high-quality education and training. This includes a cash increase of £20 million in the Higher Education resource budget compared to 2022-23, and a cash increase of £33.7 million in the Further Education resource and capital budget.
As the holiday season approaches, for many families their celebrations could be looking very different this year due to the cost of living crisis, increasing fuel bills and squeezes on household budgets.
Educational and Child Psychologists from the British Psychological Society (BPS) have offered their expert advice to manage children’s expectations this festive season, and how to focus on the smaller things that can mean a lot.
“Families might be having to cut back not just on presents and gifts this year, but visiting family and friends, and it may not feel the same as previous years.
“This can cause anxiety and stress for both parents/carers and children and young people when anxiety is already high about paying bills and everyday costs during the winter” says Dr Abigail Wright from the BPS’s Division of Educational and Child Psychology (DECP).
“The festive season can often bring a whole range of different emotions for people, including joy and happiness, but also sadness and worry. These are likely to be heightened given the incredibly difficult times we are living in, and also following the disrupted Christmases of the last two years due to Covid,” adds Dr Denise Miller from the DECP.
However despite these challenges, BPS experts say there are ways to make sure children and the whole family enjoy the festive season, and find the joy in the little things:
Preparation is key. If you are worried about your children being disappointed with gifts, or not seeing as many friends and relatives, gently explain this to them early on, but also explain that it will still be a very special time for everybody.
Explain to children that the most important part of the festive season is spending time with family and friends. When they look back, children’s memories of the happy experiences of the time spent with loved ones will be far more important to them than the number of presents they receive.
In this vein, there may be opportunities to spend time with family and friends which create happy memories and experiences, but cost very little, such as going for a walk, visiting lights, watching a movie on television or playing games, going to a carol service or free musical performance, or borrowing books from the library.
Both children and adults may also enjoy creative activities including making things, drawing, and writing stories and poems. Acts of kindness in the community can also provide a sense of purpose. Perhaps you could set up a Christmas treasure hunt activity for your children and your friends.
If children do become upset because things are not as they expect and show ‘big’ emotions, a good approach to use is ‘emotion coaching’. This is an approach which acknowledges how the child may be feeling while naming the emotion and showing empathy before looking to simply ‘fix’ the problem. This might be discussing an activity which may support them feeling calmer and less upset, or simply having a hug!
Finally, Alison Greenwood of the DECP emphasises the need for parents and carers to look out for themselves, as well as their children at this time of year.
“As parents and carers, do make sure you also take care of yourselves and practice some self-care,” she adds. “Take part in activities you also enjoy, and that promote your emotional wellbeing. Connect with yourself and what is around you – and if you can, use the support of friends and family.”
Edinburgh Castle will be illuminated green on the longest night of the year in support of the NSPCC’s Walk for Children campaign.
On Wednesday, December 21, the NSPCC is asking people in Edinburgh to dust off their walking boots and to get into the festive spirit by taking part in the charity’s 5k fundraiser. The children’s charity is inviting families, friends and colleagues to get together for the sponsored walk to raise money to support it and its Childline service this Christmas.
Emma Bowie, Regional Visitor and Community Manager (Edinburgh) at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We’re proud to be turning Edinburgh Castle green on the 21st of December, the longest night of the year, joining other landmarks across the UK in shining a light on the NSPCC and their invaluable work.”
On average, two children a minute contact Childline. The service’s counsellors receive calls about many concerns and issues, including abuse, neglect, self-harm, and anxiety.
Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the support given by Edinburgh Castle to help raise awareness of the NSPCC’s Walk for Children campaign.
“The NSPCC relies on public donations for the majority of its income, which is why we’re calling on people in Edinburgh and Scotland to support the NSPCC and Childline this festive season.
“By joining our Walk for Children, every step that participants take and every pound they raise will help Childline be there for all children, even on the longest night of the year. Together let’s make a difference.”
As well Edinburgh Castle, several other landmarks and venues across Scotland will be participating on December 21. Camera Obscura and World of Illusions in Edinburgh, Dundee Science Centre, Glasgow Botanic Gardens and Glasgow Science Centre, will all be showing their support by illuminating green.
To sign up for Walk for Children and to see a list of local participating landmarks search Walk for Children on the NSPCC website.
For anyone taking part in Walk for Children in Edinburgh, please remember to share any photos on social media using #WalkforChildren.
Children are worried about world issues including the war in Ukraine, climate crisis and cost-of-living crisis
The service expects to hear continuing worries from children about money and jobs, particularly in the run up to Christmas
Childline volunteers will be here for children over the festive season, despite volunteer numbers dropping considerably
Over the last three years, Childline has seen a 40% increase in the number of children turning to the service with worries about world issues including:
Coronavirus pandemic
war in Ukraine
climate crisis
death of the Queen
And now the cost-of-living crisis
From April 2021 to March 2022, the service’s trained volunteer counsellors delivered 1,242 counselling sessions to children with worries about the world compared to 889 from the same period in 2018/19.
This is an issue affecting children of all ages; however the service has seen a particular surge in counselling sessions with under 11s, up 38% compared to three years ago.
Over recent months, Childline has heard increasing concerns from children relating to money and jobs, driven by the financial pressures that many families are facing because of the cost-of-living crisis.
The service is also feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis: it is affecting the number of volunteers that are able give up their time to support the service and be here for children.
Childline lost over 400 volunteer counsellors nationwide during the pandemic. It managed to build its numbers up again, only for the service to see a steady decline since April of this year.
Over the past year, there have been a number of big events that have taken place across the UK and the world which have concerned young people but, this Christmas, worries will be closer to home for many.
Worries about parents losing their jobs, bills not being paid, concerns about keeping warm and not having food on the table are just some of the concerns children are sharing with Childline in relation to the cost of living.
Many are also telling the service that these worries are making them feel upset with some considering whether they need to get a job to help.
One 17-year-old girl from Scotland who contacted Childline said: “My parents split up when I was little. Dad was always drinking and gambling, eventually our house got repossessed cos he didn’t pay the mortgage.
“That’s when dad left and we ended up moving in with gran. The place is so cramped and there’s damp and mould on the walls. It’s also freezing most of the time cos we can’t afford central heating.”
As Christmas edges closer and many families continue to feel financial pressure, Childline anticipates that these kinds of worries will only continue in conversations that young people have with counsellors.
The service is getting ready to keep its 13 bases open over the festive season, including Christmas Day so it can be here to listen to those children in need and support them.
With volunteer numbers dropping the service will have a reduced number of people working across all its bases.
This is a fresh blow after the service spent months rebuilding its volunteer numbers after they lost a third during the coronavirus pandemic due to the national lockdown.
Eoin Carey, a Childline counsellor in the Glasgow centre,said: “There’s an awful lot of expectation at Christmas. If circumstances don’t allow for a child to celebrate with all the toys, food and a nuclear family, which is what is often portrayed as the ‘norm’, that can make a child feel different and like they don’t fit in.
“This can create a real sense of isolation and loneliness. Recent bereavement of a family member can also make it a very difficult time.”
He added: “The current level of poverty and hardship means that many families will be struggling to afford basic things such as heating, food and clothes let alone all the extra things.
“We know that money worries can cause stress tension and arguing in the home, which can make children feel unsafe. I think this is something we’ll hear about from a lot of young people this year.”
Dame Esther Rantzen, Childline President and Founder said: “Every Christmas we are incredibly grateful to our staff and volunteers who support children for whom this can be a very tough time.
“This Christmas will unfortunately be a particularly hard year for everyone given the financial struggles the country is currently facing.
“At Childline, our counsellors know that this is already having an impact on children, many are aware of the pressures their families are experiencing, and they are anxious about what this means for the future.
“Many of these children are worried about sharing their concerns with their own families as they fear this would put them under even more stress.
“Therefore, it is so important that Childline counsellors are here for children throughout Christmas and New Year so those young people can talk about their worries and get the support they need.”
Shaun Friel, Childline Director said: “Lots of different world issues have taken place this year which have impacted many children and young people and caused them to feel worried and concerned about their future.
“Now, given the cost-of-living crisis, money worries will sadly continue to be a key worry for children over the winter months and for some this will be having a negative impact on their mental health and well-being.
“No matter what a child’s worry is, thanks to our amazing volunteers, Childline is able to be here for those children this Christmas as a safe and confidential space where they can talk through whatever they want.
“However, our volunteer numbers are on the decline and without their support, many children would be left feeling anxious and alone.
“So, as we enter the new year, if you can offer some spare time to help Childline be here for children and young people, we would be so grateful.”
To find out more about volunteering or to help us be here for children this Christmas via a donation to our Be Here for Children Appeal you can visit the NSPCC website
CASE STUDY:
Childline counsellor talks about volunteering on Christmas Day
Eoin Carey (36), a photographer from Glasgow, has been a volunteer counsellor with the NSPCC’s Childline service at the Glasgow base for a year.
After becoming a father six years ago, Eoin, who had never spent much time around children before, discovered that he felt comfortable talking with young people and really enjoyed their company.
He decided to become a volunteer counsellor and now does regular shifts answering phone calls and online chats with children and young people. He did his first festive shift last Christmas Day, starting at 7am.
He said he felt “really happy” to be able to go in on Christmas Day and there had been “a lovely atmosphere” in the centre.
“We had all made that commitment to be there on such a big day of the year and cheered each other up by making cups of tea and having plenty of treats to share,” said Eoin.
“I had quite a lot of contacts on the day and the main thing I remember was there was a real sense of loneliness from many young people. Many children were missing relatives who couldn’t be there with them on the day because they had passed away or couldn’t travel. Some young people told me their older brothers, sisters or grandparents weren’t with them and they felt sad about that.
“When we think about Christmas we think about young people, that it’s all for them, but many children feel very lonely. There’s an even sharper recognition at Christmas that we are there for children, it really brings home the importance of being a Childline volunteer. To be in a supporting role while families are waking up, presents are being opened, is a real privilege.
“It’s sad that any children need to call us on Christmas Day but there’s an awful lot of expectation. If circumstances don’t allow for a child to celebrate with all the toys, food and a nuclear family, which is what is often portrayed as the ‘norm’, that can make a child feel different and like they don’t fit in.
“This can create a real sense of isolation and loneliness. Recent bereavement of a family member can also make it a very difficult time.”
Eoin believes that some families circumstances will be even harder this Christmas due to the cost-of-living crisis.
He added: “The current level of poverty and hardship means that many families will be struggling to afford basic things such as heating, food and clothes let alone all the extra things.
“We know that money worries can cause stress tension and arguing in the home, which can make children feel unsafe. I think this is something we’ll hear about from a lot of young people this year.”
The Festive season can be an especially lonely time for many thousands of Scots, but over £8 million National Lottery funding announced today (TUESDAY 13 DECEMBER\) means that charities and community groups across Scotland can continue to bring people together all year round.
The latest round of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund is shared amongst 246 community projects. A full list of projects is attached.
An award of £121,192 means that Restalrig based charity, The Ripple can continue to deliver their ‘Older Person’s Service’ for over 65s which offers a range of activities, trips and support services helping people in the community come together, making them feel less isolated.
Rachel Green, Director of The Ripple, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded a grant by The National Lottery Community Fund. We have a thriving social club for over 65’s on a Friday but this funding means we can now extend our opportunities across the whole week.
“Older people bring so much to our community, and we are looking forward to working with them to plan activities and events that will help them stay physically well, connected to their community and keep them energised and active as life moves on.”
Branch Out Together also welcomes the award of £98,774, which will allow them to continue their ‘Basecamp’ youth club for autistic children. The programme offers children the opportunity to develop skills in social communication and interaction using games and arts and crafts projects.
Michael Penny, Chief Executive of Branch Out Together, said: “It’s great that The National Lottery Community Fund is supporting our Basecamp project which will allow us to help more children and their families.
“Children with autism will get the chance to make friends, have fun and grow confidence around others.”
There’s also Lottery joy for Wester Hailes-based With Kids, who will use their £150,000 grant to expand their child mental health support service across South West Edinburgh, and Niddrie’s Caring in Craigmillar receives over £59,000 to provide dementia-friendly activities. Euan’s Guide is also a big winner, picking up over £144,000 to provide opportunities for disabled people in Edinburgh to write reviews on accessibility.
Among the local organisations receiving small grants are Ama-zing Harmonies (£9900), Friends of Victoria Park (£2150) and Saheliya (£10,000), who will be using their award to deliver a series of talks, workshops and activities to celebrate their 30th anniversary.
Announcing the funding, Kate Still, Scotland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fundsaid: ““It’s fantastic to see this latest round of funding go to charity and community groups helping people in communities across Scotland come together.
“The connections we have to our family, friends and the wider community makes us feel we are not so alone and that we are part of something bigger. The strength and comfort that we draw from this will be important for us all as we face some challenging times ahead.
“National Lottery players can be proud that they are supporting this vital work, not only during the Festive Season but all year round. “
The National Lottery Community Fund distributes funding on behalf of National Lottery players who raise more than £30 million each week for good causes throughout the UK.
ONE IN SIX WORKING PARENTS SURVEYED IN SCOTLAND WORRY THEY WON’T BE ABLE TO AFFORD ANY PRESENTS
New Action for Children research finds one in five children of working parents (22%) surveyed in Scotland will offer to donate their gift or pocket money to help their parents cover costs of festive season.
One sixth (15%) of working parents polled in Scotland worry they won’t be able to afford any Christmas presents.
Almost all (98%) working parents in Scotland said they had worried about money in past six months, more than half (52%) having worried often – resulting in trouble sleeping, worse mental health, getting upset and losing temper with kids.
One mum said: ‘“There are some days we won’t put the fire on and just have blankets around us. I don’t eat much anyway but some days I just have some beans on toast once or twice a day so my kids can have a proper meal.”
New Action for Children research released today uncovers the cost-of-living turmoil facing millions of working families in the run-up to Christmas.
To launch its annual Secret Santa campaign to help the country’s most vulnerable children, the charity commissioned a unique Savanta ComRes poll of 2,700 UK working parents and their children (nearly 5,500 in total), as well as a nationwide survey of its frontline staff. The research shows how the financial burden families are facing is taking an emotional toll on relationships, mental health and Christmas celebrations.
With the highest inflation rate in over 40 years, nearly all (98%) working parents the charity surveyed in Scotland said they have worried about money over the past six months, with more than half (52%) of those having worried often. Of those:
Almost six in 10(59%) have had trouble sleeping
more than two-fifths (44%) have tried to hide their money worries
more than two-fifths (44%) have noticed their mental health worsen
almost a quarter (22%) have become upset or stressed in front of their children, and
Just under a fifth (19%) have lost their temper with their children.
The research also shows one in six (15%) of working parents surveyed in Scotland worry they won’t be able to afford any presents this Christmas. And despite their money worries, more than two in five (41%) said they will put on a brave face and try to act happy, with many children also thinking their mum and dad will be faking their festive cheer (37%).
The polling also recognises the severity of the situation and emotional pressures felt by the children and teenagers of the parents surveyed with:
Over a quarter (28%) of those who’d seen their parents worry in the last six months had also seen their parents become upset or stressed in front of them due to money worries and under a quarter (24%) experienced their parents losing their temper with them.
Almost a third (32%) thinking their parents will be worried about not having enough money to pay the bills over the festive period, and
One in five (22%) saying they will offer their pocket or gift money to help their parents cover costs this Christmas.
As a charity that delivers children’s services, Action for Children is instead increasingly having to provide emergency relief to families as the cost-of-living crisis deepens.
In a nationwide survey of nearly 200 of its frontline staff during November, it found over two-thirds of those surveyed (69%) are currently supporting a child, young person or family that is experiencing poverty or extreme financial hardship.
Nearly half (45%) reported they were extremely worried about the health and wellbeing of the children, young people and families they support due to their financial situation, and one in ten (10%) had even donated their own household items or clothing to families, such is the urgent need.
Three quarters (75%) of children in poverty are in working families¹ with rates expected to worsen² as the cost-of-living crisis continues.
Some of the issues highlighted by the charity’s frontline workers included:
a family having to pawn all their electricals to buy food for their children
a child who sleeps on a pile of blankets as its parents can’t afford a bed, and
a single parent to several children with additional needs working seven days a week trying to balance support for their children and earning enough money to make ends meet.
One worker asked a young girl if there was anything she would like from Santa this year, to which she replied: ‘I’m not asking for anything and I’m not writing it down on paper (then nodded towards her mum) because she would get too sad.’
“Instead of enjoying a safe and happy time, many children will wake up on Christmas morning to no presents, food or warmth. Every day our frontline workers are helping families keep their heads above water, making sure they have the basics like hot meals and proper winter clothes, as well as offering emergency support to keep homes warm and help families pay the bills.
“In yet another year when children and families have been pushed deeper into crisis, supporting them is more important than ever.
“Poverty is not inevitable, it is about political choices. The Scottish government has made a big step in the journey to end child poverty via their Scottish Child Payment, which we supported and called for, but families now require urgent giant leaps from both the UK and Scottish Government to make child poverty consigned to the past.
“Until every family can keep their child warm and well fed, we’ll be there to help them – that’s why we’re asking people to donate to help us make a life-changing difference to vulnerable children this Christmas and beyond. With your help we can be a vital lifeline for even more children across Scotland.”
Case study:
Tina Buchan, 43, lives in Invernessand has five children with her partner Moni Buchan, 52. Tina works full-time as a Deputy Store Manager B&M store and her husband is a chef. He has struggled to find work near home and is currently working in London, leaving him apart from his family. Like so many families in Scotland, they are struggling to make ends meet this Christmas.
Tina was already struggling to make ends meet before household bills increased and, despite a recent promotion in work, is still being forced to take drastic measures to feed her children.
“There are some days we won’t put the fire on and just have blankets around us,” said Tina. “I don’t eat much anyway but some days I just have some beans on toast once or twice a day so my kids can have a proper meal.
“I’m pay as you go for my electric and I’m paying around £50 more a month just now. For heating, we have a coal fire and the price of coal has gone up a lot. The coal used to be £10 per bag and now it’s gone up to £15 a bag so it’s having a big impact on our budget.
“I’m good at budgeting which is a godsend because if I wasn’t the stress would overwhelm me. I’m on a salary so my pay is the same each month which helps me know what I’m working with. Once I’ve paid my bills and bought some food for the house I’m hardly left with anything.
With five children, Christmas is a particularly difficult period for Tina. Her children are aware of the family’s financial struggles and do not have any expectations for Christmas presents.
“I’m lucky in that my kids don’t expect much and don’t ask for a lot because they know how expensive things can be,” she said. “They’re quite happy to have things like socks, pyjamas, and maybe a couple of wee toys. I speak to them properly about it. The youngest still believes in Santa Clause so he gets a couple of extra things but the others all know roughly what I’ll be giving them.
“I’m not one to ask for help, I’m too proud but last Christmas our support worker from Action for Children, Sarah Sproul, brought food hampers and some presents for all the kids. Having five kids is expensive so that made a big difference.”
The pressure of making ends meet is not only affecting Tina but the children as well. Her 16-year-old son Aiden has suffered from anxiety which led the family to initially coming into contact with Action for Children for support around two years ago.
Thankfully Aiden has come a long way since then and has “come out of his shell completely to the point that he’s a completely different person now”, according to his mother.
Unfortunately, Tina is now seeing her 10-year-old son Amir’s mental health impacted by the stress of the cost of living crisis and is arranging for him to receive support from Action for Children.
“I told the school two years ago that he was struggling to deal with his anxiety and I was told by the doctors that there’s nothing they could do at the moment because the children’s mental health waiting lists are so long.
“I’ve spoken to Sarah and she’s going to make sure Amir receives the support he needs through Action for Children. She has been amazing for this family and I can’t possibly thank her enough for everything she’s done to help us all. If it wasn’t for Action for Children, I don’t know where we’d be.”
To become a Secret Santa for Action for Children visit iamsanta.org.uk
New polling also reports significant impacts on family life and siblings
Findings also report impact on working life of parents
New polling for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC) by The Diffley Partnership has exposed a dramatic concern among parents for their children’s mental wellbeing.
The polling has shown that:
50% of parents think their child has experienced mental ill health, with over one quarter considering it moderate or serious
Nearly 60% of those parents reporting a mental health issue consider it to have a fair or great impact on their family life, with over 60% considering it to have such an effect on their childrens’ friendships and social activities
Almost half believe their child’s mental health issues have a great or fair impact on the other children in the household
More than one-quarter of parents with children whom they believe have a mental health issue have had to take time off work as a result
ECHC exists to transform the lives of babies, children and young people in hospital and healthcare so they can be a child first and a patient second. All its work streams are centred around this objective, putting children and young people at the heart of everything it does, and its activity includes support for child and adolescent mental health services.
It is currently considering enhancing its services for children and wellbeing with a mental health concern to reflect the increased need illustrated by this polling.
Commenting on the polling, ECHC’s Chief Executive Roslyn Neely said:“The data from this poll is deeply concerning. The truth is that we simply don’t know enough about the impact that life in the 2020s – with a period of social exclusion layered on top of unprecedented social media exposure – is having on young people’s mental health.
“However, what we do know is that we are seeing more problems than ever before, and we believe we can play a part in solving them.
“We are working on a ground-breaking programme which will not only help the young people experiencing mental ill health, but their families too.
“There is no more time to wait. We cannot simply cross our fingers and hope that our young people work out any problems without help. There is too much at stake.”
The polling follows a wellbeing and resilience report compiled by ECHC following in-depth consultations with the parents of children and young people who had experience with CAMHS or mental health issues.
Roslyn Neely added:“These in-depth consultations provided us with a wealth of information which, critically, show us that parents explore a range of different sources of help for their children, including CAMHS, GPs and schools.
“ECHC is now discussing the possibility of creating another route down which parents and young people can go.”
Cash strapped parents struggling to find the extra cash for Christmas are being urged to clear out the cupboards and sell unwanted toys.
The penny pinching experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have pulled together their tips for families hoping to sell used toys, and buyers hoping to bag a bargain this Christmas.
With money being tight for many this festive season, the experts are expecting parents to find alternative ways to buy their kids the toys they’ve asked for without forking out for brand new items.
Buying second hand is a good option for securing a bargain for the buyer, and raising a little extra cash for the seller.
Rebecca Bebbington, online consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Christmas is an expensive time of year and with the ongoing cost of living crisis, it will put additional pressure on families.
“Selling unwanted toys is a good way for parents to get additional cash together – and is great for those hoping to buy a bargain bundle of second hand toys.
“It’s also better for the environment too. Rather than toys being put into landfill, they’re being cleaned down, repackaged and sold on for another little one to enjoy.
“We’ve put together some helpful tips for toy sellers and buyers to make sure everyone gets a good deal this Christmas.”
Here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s top tips for buying and selling toys this Christmas:
For sellers:
Photos
Take plenty of pictures showing the toys at their very best. If they’ve been in the back of a cupboard to up the loft, give them a good wash down so they look as good as new. However, there’s no point trying to hide any imperfections. Ensure your images represent the item in the best way so a buyer knows exactly what they’re getting and the quality it will be in.
Description
Write a detailed description, describing the items as accurately as possible to avoid any confusion. Don’t be misleading. It’s always important to be honest in your description, even more so when the item is likely to be a special gift for Christmas.
Haggling
Be prepared for a haggle. Lots of buyers will offer you a price lower than you are selling for. Be aware of this and price accordingly.
Price comparisons
Have a look online to see what the same items are selling for, you don’t want to miss a sale because you’ve overpriced. Likewise, you don’t want to underprice and not get the amount the items deserve.
Delivery
Offer to deliver for a small fee. Sometimes this may make the difference in securing a sale.
Hold your nerve
Don’t settle on the first offer. It’s likely that you will receive a few offers after posting your item. Hold out a day or two to be sure you get the best price.
For buyers:
Haggle
Don’t be afraid to ask for a few pounds off. If someone really wants a sale they will be happy to negotiate a price.
Offer a swap
If you don’t want to pay the full price or can’t afford to, have you got something the seller might want? Ask if they’re happy to do a swap instead of a sale. You never know, you might just have something they’re looking for.
Buy local and collect
Try to buy items in your local area and collect them wherever possible. Often, sellers can create their own fees for delivery so it’s always worth saving yourself a few pounds by picking the items up yourself.
Photos
If you think the pictures don’t depict the item clearly, ask for more. You want to be sure that you get what you’re paying for and that it’s in the condition they have stated. Particularly important if you’re shopping for the item as a gift and you want it to look as good as new.
Ask questions
If you have any doubts about the quality or condition of an item, ask lots of questions. It may be that the seller wasn’t clear enough – it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
