Average household spending masks high numbers who are struggling to make ends meet

Responding to today’s publication by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) of the Family spending in the UK: financial year ending March 2017 report, poverty charity Turn2us said the figures mask the high numbers of households on the brink of despair because they are struggling to make ends meet.

The report, which gives details of average weekly household expenditure on goods and services in the UK, found that average weekly household spending rose to £554.20 in the financial year ending 2017; in real terms, this was a return to pre-economic downturn levels.

It found that the average weekly spend on household goods and services was £39.30, with £3.40 of that being spent on household appliances. Recent research by Turn2us found high numbers of people living without household appliances such as a cooker or fridge because they are unable to afford them.

Simon Hopkins, Chief Executive of Turn2us, said: 

“High numbers of people seeking our help are living without essential household appliances such as a cooker or fridge and this is having a very serious impact on their health and overall wellbeing, as well as making it harder to manage on a limited budget.

“Today’s report found that the average family spent just under £180 last year on household appliances, which is simply not possible for those already struggling to pay for food and housing.”

Turn2us is urging anyone who is struggling to purchase household appliances to seek its help at Turn2us.org.uk. The charity can help people understand and access the support that they may be eligible for, particularly through hardship grants that can help with the purchase of household appliances.