Britons ‘to curtail Christmas spending’

Britons are determined to save money over the Christmas period.

Newly-released research by Santander has found people are looking to spend 13 per cent less on dinner and drinks than they did last year.

On top of this, 13 per cent of households also want to avoid offering to host a party because of the costs associated with such a move.

This demonstrates how hard-pressed consumers are looking to curtail the amount of money they part with, as they do not want to start 2013 with a financial hangover.

Alan Mathewson, chief executive officer of Santander Cards, said: "People are reining in their spending on everything from presents to their main Christmas dinner and many are even doing their best to avoid hosting altogether."

He added everyone should look to be savvy – such as by using cashback services – over the festive period in an effort to save some money.

By Joe White