UK weekly expenditure rose in 2011

Average UK weekly expenditure rose to £483.60 in 2011.

This is according to Family Spending – the annual report from the Office for National Statistics – and this £10 year-on-year hike represents the highest-ever figure recorded by the body.

It means that householders are being forced to fork out even more money in order to cover living expenses and in time these individuals may need advice on becoming debt free.

Transport (£65.70) was the most expensive weekly outlay, followed by recreation and culture (£63.90) and then food and non-alcoholic drinks (£54.80).

With many people increasingly struggling to make ends meet, this hike in the cost of living comes at an unwelcome time.

People in the north-east are the most frugal (£384.20), while those in Wales (£398.20) and Yorkshire and the Humber (£410.10) are also tightening their belts in an effort to get by.

By James Francis