Children have received a modest 12p-per-week pocket money pay rise in 2026 compared with the previous year, according to figures from a money app. The analysis by GoHenry, based on anonymised data from more than 600,000 users aged seven to 18, shows that youngsters received an average of £9.90 per week between January and April 2026. This marks a 1.2% increase from £9.78 during the same period in 2025.
Gender and Regional Differences
The data reveals a small gender gap, with girls receiving £9.89 per week and boys getting £9.91 – a difference of just 3p. Regionally, children in the South East of England enjoy the highest weekly pocket money at £12.88, while those in the East of England receive the lowest average, at £8.57. Other regional averages include London at £10.02, Scotland at £10.67, and Wales at £8.89.
Inflation Impact
The annual percentage increase in pocket money is less than half the rate of the consumer prices index (CPI) inflation, which stood at 2.8% in April, according to the Office for National Statistics. This suggests that parents are feeling the pinch from rising living costs, limiting how much they can increase their children's allowances.
Chores and Savings Goals
Tidying bedrooms is the most common chore linked to account top-ups, earning children an average of £1.14 per task. Music practice is the highest-earning chore, with an average payment of £1.84. Other popular tasks include helping around the house (£1.21), brushing teeth (£1.31), doing homework (£1.39), and looking after pets (£1.42).
Holidays are the most popular savings goal for children, followed by birthdays and electronics, GoHenry reported. Grocery shops and supermarkets are the top spending locations, ahead of restaurants, clothing shops, transport, and health and beauty outlets.
Expert Comment
Louise Hill, founder of GoHenry, said: "This mid-year snapshot shows something really important. Despite the rising cost of living, kids are still setting money aside week after week, saving an average of £3.93 per week, and it’s become second nature for them. It’s exciting to watch their world grow alongside their financial independence. We’re seeing kids make more independent choices about where they spend, from supermarkets to transport and health and beauty, reflecting their growing autonomy and confidence when it comes to managing their money."
Average Pocket Money by Age (2026)
- Seven: £4.30
- Eight: £4.44
- Nine: £4.78
- Ten: £5.38
- Eleven: £6.46
- Twelve: £8.12
- Thirteen: £10.68
- Fourteen: £12.86
- Fifteen: £14.54
- Sixteen: £16.66
- Seventeen: £18.61
- Eighteen: £16.57
Average Weekly Pocket Money by Region (2026)
- East Midlands: £9.47
- East of England: £8.57
- London: £10.02
- North East: £8.75
- North West: £9.74
- Scotland: £10.67
- South East: £12.88
- South West: £8.69
- Wales: £8.89
- West Midlands: £9.90
- Yorkshire and the Humber: £8.93
The analysis compared data from January 1 to April 15 in 2025 and 2026, providing a mid-year snapshot of children's financial habits across Britain.
