# Parents describe struggling to budget while on maternity leave

The BBC reports on families who say money is tight while on maternity leave, as reduced income meets ongoing living costs. The accounts highlight how statutory maternity pay can fall short of household expenses. It matters as a snapshot of the financial pressure facing new parents.

**Importance:** 2/5

## Sources

### Business
- [BBC Business](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3ewegye0g0qo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 09:59:51 GMT