36% of families in arrears over last 12 months - report

New research carried out for the children's charity Barnardo's has found that just over one-third of families went into arrears on their energy bills at some point over the last 12 months.

The findings show that the 36% of those surveyed fell behind on their bills in the last year due to a lack of money, up from 32% compared in 2025.

The charity said its 'Cost of Living – Impact on Children 2026' report shows the financial pressures and difficulties on families due to inflation.

It found that 30% of parents surveyed felt at some point that they did not have enough food to feed their children - up from 28% in 2025.

The research also shows two in five parents had borrowed money at least once over the past 12 months.

The charity said it has seen a "steady increase" in the number of parents who believe cost of living issues have significantly affected their children in the last five years, with up to 80% of families saying their children have felt the impact in some negative way.

The research was carried out Amárach Research with a nationally representative survey of 1,000 parents/guardians.

It also found 44% of parents surveyed skipped meals or reduced their portion size so their children would have enough to eat, with 16% using a food bank - up from 12% in 2025.

Over half of parents, 55%, were concerned about having enough money to put fuel in their car, with 17% saying they cut back or went without medical/health appointments.

One in five parents said cost of living pressures have not negatively affected their child, with children in one- parent families far more likely to have been significantly negatively impacted by cost of living issues than those in two parents homes.

The charity said increased supports for families most at risk are needed if the Government is to meet their target of ending child poverty by 2030.

Barnardo's is calling for an increase in the Child Support Payment and the Fuel Allowance, and to commit to reduce the disparity in the cost of energy for those on pre-paid metres.