Nearly a third of families will find themselves strapped for cash after their children move out of the family home, according to a new poll from AA Savings.

While one in five parents thought that their children flying the nest gave them a great opportunity to do something for themselves such as move home, redecorate the house or go on holiday, 17 per cent said they would use any spare cash to pay off their children's university debts.

Parents who have had to spend savings on costs such as university debts may choose to take out a personal loan in order to fund home improvements or redecoration.

The poll found that the majority of parents still considered themselves to be responsible for their children even after they had moved out, with 26 per cent believing that they will probably end up coming back.

While only two per cent of mothers thought that their children would be back again and need bailing out, fathers were more cynical, with one in ten believing they would be back, in need of help.

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