Spending by British households is on the increase, indicating people are feeling less squeezed under an improving economy.
Last year, people spent more money than they did the year before, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics.
On average, £531 a week was spent, thus bringing up the level to that which prevailed at the time the recession struck.
Household spending had peaked in 2004 and 2005, well before recession even loomed.
It declined every year since, reaching a nadir of £507 in 2012. It has been climbing since then.
The most money was spent on transport, housing and energy, recreation and culture, followed by food and drink.
Transport was the costliest item for people, accounting for an average £75 per week. Nearly £69 per week was given over to recreation and culture, including holidays and computers. This was the category which saw the greatest increase.
Least spending was devoted to alcohol and tobacco (£12), education (£10 per week) and health (a mere £7).
The highest spending families were in London, the South East, East and South West. Londoners spent the most on housing while people in the South East spent the most on transport.
Most frugal households were in North East England, Wales, Yorkshire, and the West Midlands.
Scotland’s families and those in Northern Ireland were in the middle range, spending £474 and £484 respectively.
UK households spent during an average week:
- £6.40 on mobile phone fees
- £4 on wine brought home
- £1.90 on chocolate
- £1.60 on newspapers
- 50p on tea
