Recent research conducted by the Salvation Army suggests that two-thirds of adults in the UK are currently worried about being able to afford Christmas dinner.

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According to the organization's survey, people are planning to use items from food banks for their festive meal. The findings pose as a "red flag" as poverty creeps further into communities.

Surveying 2,149 adults living in the UK on October 22, results showed that 67% of respondents were worried about their ability to afford a Christmas dinner in December. 

The poll was based on calculating the basic cost of a Christmas dinner - priced at £7.50 per head - as per the current inflation rates. The cost of living in the UK, however, has been on the rise since October when the survey was conducted.

The percentages of worried Britons rises to 81% among people aged 65 and above, with 80% of people living in east England. Around 16% of the respondents are expecting to use a food bank to get the ingredients for their meal. Furthermore, 38% believe they are likely to skip meals if they have an unexpected expense. 

In addition, the poll found that 14% of respondents cannot afford to buy their children presents for Christmas, while almost 18% expect to spend Christmas in 'free' buildings so they can keep themselves warm. 

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John, a 64-year-old grandfather from Middlesbrough, said according to The Independent: “I usually go to relatives for Christmas dinner, but they can’t afford to have me this year so I will stay at home."

“I am going to treat it like a normal day and have sandwiches for lunch as I’m worried it will cost too much to buy the food and cook it. It is going to be a terrible Christmas for me.”       

Dean Pallant, the Salvation Army's Lieutenant-Colonel, remarked that "Christmas should be the season of joy, not sorrow."

“If so many people are worried they can’t even afford one of the most important meals of the year, it’s a red flag that poverty is creeping further into our communities.”         

A Government spokesperson said: “We recognise people are struggling with rising prices which is why we’re protecting millions of the most vulnerable households through our £37 billion package of support, including at least £1,200 of direct payments and saving households an average of £900 on their energy bills this winter, in addition to £150 of extra support for disabled people and £300 per household for pensioners.

“Vulnerable families in England are being supported by the Government’s Household Support Fund – which was boosted by £500 million – to help pay for essentials.”

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