In the summer months, many of us will, I’m sure, be looking forward to a more relaxed time spent with loved ones. However, for some parents and grandparents, the summer months can be a more challenging time.

The prospect of suddenly having your children at home every day poses challenges for those parents who work during the day. It can put additional pressure on household finances – which have already taken a hit due to the increased cost of food, rent or their mortgage.

For those families who are barely scraping by, the need to cut back on hours to look after your children and provide additional meals during the day can be a source of stress.

No parent wants to see their child go without, and many parents will take on debt or go without essentials for themselves to get by. However, given the rising cost of debt, that option is increasingly impossible for many at the same time as increased bills and shrinking real-terms pay.

It is during these difficult weeks that parents need our support the most and there are some simple steps the Government could take to empower parents, enabling them to continue working hard and supporting their children.

The first of these is by extending free school meals for those with the least means across the summer holidays. This will ensure that children continue to get healthy and nutritious meals during the summer.

Another change that would offer huge relief to families would be to provide greater funding for community spaces and summer activity clubs. Not only do these measures give children a place to go, to make new friends, and to try new activities; they also enable parents to carry on working, contributing to the economy and paying taxes.

I also want to pay tribute to the volunteers who give up time in the school holidays to look after children. Whether you are a responsible adult at a youth group, such as a Scout Leader, or whether you are a grandparent who is looking after your grandchildren so that your adult children can work in the school holidays - thank you.