Family Spending Goes On Food
UK households spend more money on food and non-alcoholic drinks than anything else according to this year’s Family Spending report from the Office for National Statistics. The 1996-97 report shows that average weekly expenditure is up from £290 in 1995-96 to £309 now. An average of £55.10 per week of this is being spent on food and soft drinks. This spending is set against an average gross weekly income of £397, compared to £381 in 1995-96.
| Commodity or Service | Average Weekly Expenditure (£) |
|---|---|
| Food and non-alcoholic drink | 55.10 |
| Housing – Net | 49.10 |
| Leisure goods and services | 49.10 |
| Transport | 48.70 |
| Household goods and services | 43.10 |
| Clothing and footwear | 18.30 |
| Fuel and power | 13.30 |
| Alcoholic drink | 12.40 |
| Personal goods and services | 11.60 |
| Tobacco | 6.10 |
| Miscellaneous | 2.20 |
| Total Expenditure | 309.00 |
In line with the boom in telecommunications and computing, the survey has included a new section this year to include spending on telecoms and computers, as well as analyses of expenditure by place of purchase. The results are that 16% of households now own a mobile phone, and spend an average of £5.90 a week on them.
Over a quarter of households have a PC and spending on satellite and cable has increased in accordance with income. 12% of households with a retired or unemployed head of household have a satellite dish; 31% of households that have a skilled manual head of home have satellite. Subscription on satellite is highest in the 30-49 age group at almost £1.00 per week.
The research shows that most people buy food and drinks from large supermarkets, whereas petrol and ‘selected regular purchases’ like cigarettes are more often bought at other outlets. Family Spending 1996-97 is published by The Stationary Office for £37.50.
Office for National Statistics Press Office: 0171 533 5702