WELSH HOUSEHOLDS ON COURSE TO BE SKINT BY SEPTEMBER AS WALES RANKS AMONG UK’S BIGGEST SUNNY SPENDERS

Savings expert reveals why making the most of every sunny day could leave Welsh households feeling the pinch by autumn

The sunshine may be bringing smiles across Wales, but it’s also driving some of the UK’s biggest spending habits. New research reveals more than half (54%) of Welsh adults spend more whenever the weather improves, making Wales the third biggest sunny-weather spending hotspot in the UK, behind only Northern Ireland (63%) and London (60%), and comfortably above the UK average (50%).

According to a nationwide survey commissioned by VoucherCodes.co.uk, 36% of Brits say they increase their spending during warm weather, while almost one in seven (14%) admit they spend much more. One in ten (10%) say they spend £50 or more extra every sunny week.

For households across Wales, the ‘summer sting’ isn’t just about the odd ice cream or coffee. With almost nine in ten (87%) admitting they spend more in at least one area when the sun comes out, Thrifty Clair, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, is warning that spontaneous spending on days out, eating out, travel and seasonal treats can quietly snowball into a significant hit to household budgets.

The research highlights stark regional differences in how spending changes when the sun comes out, with Wales ranking third overall.

Rank	Region	% who spend more in warm or sunny weather
1	Northern Ireland	63%
2	London	60%
3	Wales	54%
4	West Midlands	53.4%
5	East of England	53.3%
6	East Midlands	52.8%
7	North West	52.3%
8	South West	46.5%
9	Yorkshire & the Humber	46%
10	Scotland	43%
11	North East	42.6%
12	South East	41.2%

The findings suggest people in Wales are far more likely than much of the UK to loosen their purse strings when temperatures rise. Only Northern Ireland and London record higher levels of weather-related spending, with Wales comfortably ahead of regions including the North West (52%), Scotland (43%), and the South East (41%).

While London’s position near the top of the table may be explained by its endless restaurants, rooftop bars and attractions, Wales’ ranking reflects a different kind of summer spending. From beach trips and countryside escapes to making the most of local cafes, pubs and outdoor attractions, when the sun shines, Welsh households appear determined to make every moment count.

Just 13% of Welsh respondents claimed the sunshine has no impact on their spending, meaning almost nine in ten (87%) admit they spend more in at least one area whenever the weather improves.

Wales’ biggest sunshine splurges:

• Sweet treats: Sweet treats top the list in Wales, with 42% spending more on ice creams, snacks, and treats whenever the weather improves.
• Days out: Nearly a third (32%) spend more on days out and attractions, highlighting a desire to make the most of every spell of sunshine.
• Eating out: More than a quarter (26%) spend more on restaurants and cafés during warm weather, making dining out one of Wales’ biggest seasonal expenses.
• Pubs and bars: Around a quarter (26%) spend more meeting friends for drinks, showing summer socialising quickly adds to the bill.
• Travel: A quarter (25%) spend more on travel or short breaks, as many make the most of good weather with spontaneous trips.

Thrifty Clair, Savings Expert at VoucherCodes.co.uk, comments:

“Ranking as the third highest sunny spenders in the UK shows just how much the sunshine influences spending habits in Wales. When the weather is good, it’s only natural to want to make the most of it, whether that’s a family day out, a trip to the coast, meeting friends outdoors, or enjoying a meal in the sunshine.

“Our research shows almost nine in ten people in Wales spend more in at least one area when the weather improves. And those little ‘let’s make the most of it’ moments can quickly add up over the course of the summer, especially when they’re happening week after week.

“The good news for Welsh residents is you don’t have to miss out to keep the costs down this summer. Balancing treats with free local entertainment, and looking for discounts on the things you’re already planning to buy – whether that’s travel, attractions or eating out – can help households enjoy the sunshine without being caught out by the ‘summer sting’ later in the year.”

With the summer holidays having just started for many households, Clair is encouraging shoppers across Wales to embrace a simple approach – you’re going to be spending this summer, so you may as well save while you do it.

To help the nation enjoy the sunshine without the summer sting, VoucherCodes.co.uk has collated its top sunny savings.