A new survey shows that parents are not able to afford a holiday this summer.

Over two-fifths of South West parents fear they will not be able to afford a summer holiday this year due to financial constraints.

A new poll conducted by charity Action for Children among 2000 UK parents has uncovered the extent of these money worries.

The cost of living crisis appears far from over for many South West parents facing the additional costs of the school holidays.

Action for Children's survey found that 43 per cent of parents in the South West cannot afford even a short holiday this summer, and 49 per cent fear they won't be able to pay for activities for their children during the break.

Moreover, a troubling 8 per cent of families in the area have never experienced a family holiday.

In addition to this, a third of parents in the region are worrying about the impact of financial strains on their child's health, fearing their child could have an unhealthy holiday due to lack of sufficient funds.

Similarly, 30 per cent believe they will be in an even worse financial situation this summer than last year.

With summer break in full swing, the situation has also sparked concerns over balancing work with looking after children.

As 56 per cent of parents fret that work commitments will hinder family time, more than 20 per cent have said they plan to take unpaid leave or sick leave to provide childcare.

An additional 5 per cent are considering quitting their jobs to take care of their children during the school break.

Financial stresses are also taking an emotional toll on parents.

Most parents who recorded worsened financial situations compared to the previous year (90 per cent) stated that they feel guilty for not being able to afford summer activities for their children.

Of these, over three-quarters are planning to hide their financial stress from their children over the summer break.

The closure of school canteens has escalated these worries.

Over a quarter of South West parents are concerned about being able to provide three meals a day for their children during summer break.

They even fear the necessity to rely on food banks, with 21 per cent expressing concerns about having to use them to feed their children while they're not in school.

Robert Wyatt, operational director for Action for Children in the South West, said: "Every year, our frontline workers see the financial and emotional strain the summer holidays can have on families in our region, particularly those on low-incomes.

"With more mouths to feed, clothes to wash and typically less in savings, families with children are especially vulnerable to financial hits like the added costs of the summer holidays.

"Essential support like free school meals may not be available, leisure activity costs rise and parents have to juggle work and childcare.

"With the new government, we have the opportunity to rethink how we support families through tough times.

"With proper investment in public services and in the social safety net, more children will thrive and enjoy the summer holidays, and more parents will be able to take an important break from work."

He stressed the importance of policymakers putting children's well-being at the forefront of decision-making and suggested measures like scrapping the two-child limit and benefit cap and increasing the Universal Credit child element by £15 per week.

For parents needing assistance this summer, Action for Children has a free online chat service, Parent Talk, where trained parenting coaches provide support and advice.