As the school term nears its end and the summer break approaches, parents are gearing up for the added expenses that come with entertaining children over the six-week holiday period.
Summertime activities like movie outings, social gatherings, treats, and shopping sprees can quickly add up, making it a costly period for families. Finding ways to minimize expenses has become increasingly important.
Recent statistics indicate that British children are currently receiving an average weekly pocket money allowance of almost £10. Data from over 600,000 kids across the UK, as analyzed by children’s money app GoHenry, shows that children aged seven to 18 receive an average of £9.90 per week.
Notably, the data reveals regional disparities in pocket money amounts. Children in the South East receive the highest average payments at £12.88 per week, while those in the East of England receive the lowest at £8.57.
Despite ongoing financial pressures on households, pocket money allowances have seen a slight increase over the past year, rising by 1.2% compared to the same period in 2025.
Furthermore, the figures suggest that many children are cultivating strong saving habits by setting aside an average of £3.93 per week.
Louise Hill, the founder of GoHenry, remarked on the trend, stating that despite the escalating cost of living, children are consistently saving a significant portion of their pocket money each week, with an average of £3.93, indicating a natural inclination towards saving.
With the summer holidays fast approaching, the debate on whether children should receive additional spending money during this period is gaining traction. Some families view pocket money as a valuable tool for teaching children financial responsibility and decision-making skills.
Encouraging children to manage a fixed weekly amount can help them learn to prioritize their desires, whether it be saving for a specific item, a holiday memento, or a social outing.
While some advocate for children earning extra money through chores, not all parents are in favor of providing additional funds during the holidays. With many families already feeling the financial strain from increased costs and pricey summer activities, some believe that children should learn to make their pocket money last longer.
As households navigate through higher expenses during the school break, the discussion surrounding children’s pocket money and financial education continues to evolve, with the upcoming summer months presenting an opportune time for children to learn valuable lessons in budgeting, saving, and making financial choices.
The conversation around whether children should receive extra spending money during the holidays or if managing a regular allowance is a part of their maturation process reflects the broader dialogue occurring in households across the UK as summer draws near.