[1] The results of the survey are multi purpose, however it is primarily used to provide information for the Retail Prices Index and the National Accounts estimates of household expenditure, as well as analysis of the effect of taxes and benefits.
[4] The LCF is a continuous survey, with interviews being spread evenly over the year to ensure that seasonal effects are covered.
Every individual aged 16 and over in the household visited is also asked to keep a diary that records daily expenditure for two weeks.
[5] ONS produce an annual 'Family Spending' publication, which gives a broad overview of the results of the survey.
[7] This was the first fall in average household spend since 2001-02, when the current system of measuring was introduced to allow better international comparisons.