A third of people in Doncaster unable to save in near future

That’s according to an Office for National Statistics survey, which asked people if they think they will be able to put aside cash in the next 12 months, considering the general economic outlook.

In Doncaster, 33 per cent of those aged 16 and over said they will not be able to do so – close to the average of 31 per cent across England and Wales.

The largest proportion of people in Doncaster (49 per cent) thought they would be able to save over the next year – in line with the England and Wales average – while a further 18 per cent said they didn’t know.

The results of the poll, carried out between January 7 and March 28, were based on responses from 240 people in the area.

The ONS carried out the research to understand more about the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on people’s happiness.

It found that adults who do not expect to be able to save over the next year are much more likely to report being less happy than those who do.

People were also asked to rate how happy they felt the day before they were surveyed on a scale from zero – meaning “not happy at all” – to 10, signifying “completely happy”.

In Doncaster, the average score was 6.4, compared to 6.6 across England and Wales.

"It is concerning that so many of us are unable to save any money in the near future,” said Sara Willcocks, head of external affairs at anti-poverty charity Turn2us.

“Savings can give people financial security and offer vital protection against life's unexpected costs.

"We urge the Government to take action to help increase people's incomes, to stop the debt crisis that is round the corner, and the mental health anguish that will follow.”

She said this must include maintaining the £20 uplift to Universal Credit, which was put in place to help struggling households during the pandemic but is due to end in September.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Liam Hoden, editor.