A SINGLE mum from Neston has spoken out about the daily challenges she's been facing while caring for her son in the cost-of-living crisis.

Half of all children in lone-parent families are now living in relative poverty, according to a study by the Institute for Fiscal Studies in July 2022.

Most of these families have been left without the help they need to manage the impact of the soaring inflation prices.

Alex Webb, 27, is a single mother to 10-year-old Cameron Webb.

The university student, from Neston, lives in private accomodation and is on universal credit and benefits.

She said: "I know times are tough for everyone but it's really hard not being able to get into council property.

"The cost of housing has obviously gone up. I won't get accepted for council housing as i'm seen to have a roof over my head."

During the summer holidays, Alex has found it really difficult to keep up with the costs, while trying to keep her son happy.

She told the Globe: "We were lucky to go to a Haven holiday but that's only because it was booked last year and you could pay it off in monthly instalments.

"That's only five days out of the six weeks, it's been such a struggle."

She added: "Electric bills have gone up because he's been at home. It's been a massive stress.

"We've not been able to go out and do certain things because i've had to really tighten the belt on finances."

With the Government attempting to help, introducing grants such as the £400 energy grant in July, Alex explained how this is only a temporary fix.

She said: "We got that £180 grant, which was great, but that's only one month covered. What about the rest of the months?"

"They don't look at the bigger picture and think 'she's on benefits and a single mum so lets move her into social housing'.

"Unless you're in dire need, they don't really care."

Talking about the continuing rises and the future, Alex spoke about how her worries are growing.

She told the Globe: "It's scary. You try to find ways to cut your bills. Luckily the weather has been good so i've been able to put my washing outside.

"Everything needs electricity. My son uses his xbox, and my laptop needs constantly charging as i'm a student."

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