Living Costs and Food Survey, 2008
Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.Background: A household food consumption and expenditure survey has been conducted each year in Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland) since 1940. At that time the National Food Survey (NFS) covered a sample drawn solely from urban working-class households, but this was extended to a fully demographically representative sample in 1950. From 1957 onwards the Family Expenditure Survey (FES) provided information on all household expenditure patterns including food expenditure, with the NFS providing more detailed information on food consumption and expenditure. The NFS was extended to cover Northern Ireland from 1996 onwards. In April 2001 these surveys were combined to form the Expenditure and Food Survey (EFS), which completely replaced both series. From January 2008, the EFS became known as the Living Costs and Food (LCF) module of the Integrated Household Survey (IHS). As a consequence of this change, the questionnaire was altered to accommodate the insertion of a core set of questions, common to all of the separate modules which together comprised the IHS. Some of these core questions are simply questions which were previously asked in the same or a similar format on all of the IHS component surveys. For further information on the LCF questionnaire, see Volume A of the LCF 2008 User Guide, held with SN 6385. Further information about the LCF, including links to published reports based on the survey, may be found by searching for 'Living Costs and Food Survey' on the ONS website. Further information on the NFS and Living Costs and Food Module of the IHS can be found by searching for 'Family Food' on the GOV.UK website. History: The LCF (then EFS) was the result of more than two years' development work to bring together the FES and NFS; both survey series were well-established and important sources of information for government and the wider community, and had charted changes and patterns in spending and food consumption since the 1950s. Whilst the NFS and FES series are now finished, users should note that previous data from both series are still available from the UK Data Archive, under GNs 33071 (NFS) and 33057 (FES). Purpose of the LCF The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has overall project management and financial responsibility for the LCF, while the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) sponsors the food data element. As with the FES and NFS, the LCF continues to be primarily used to provide information for the Retail Prices Index, National Accounts estimates of household expenditure, analysis of the effect of taxes and benefits, and trends in nutrition. The results are multi-purpose, however, providing an invaluable supply of economic and social data. The merger of the two surveys also brings benefits for users, as a single survey on food expenditure removes the difficulties of reconciling data from two sources. Design and methodology The design of the LCF is based on the old FES, although the use of new processing software by the data creators has resulted in a dataset which differs from the previous structure. The most significant change in terms of reporting expenditure, however, is the introduction of the European Standard Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose (COICOP), in place of the codes previously used. An additional level of hierarchy has been developed to improve the mapping to the previous codes. The LCF was conducted on a financial year basis from 2001, then moved to a calendar year basis from January 2006 (to complement the IHS) until 2015-16, when the financial year survey was reinstated at the request of users. Therefore, whilst SN 5688 covers April 2005 - March 2006, SN 5986 covers January-December 2006. Subsequent years cover January-December until 2014. SN 8210 returns to the financial year survey and currently covers April 2015 - March 2016. Northern Ireland sample Users should note that, due to funding constraints, from January 2010 the Northern Ireland (NI) sample used for the LCF was reduced to a sample proportionate to the NI population relative to the UK. Family Food database: 'Family Food' is an annual publication which provides detailed statistical information on purchased quantities, expenditure and nutrient intakes derived from both household and eating out food and drink. Data is collected for a sample of households in the United Kingdom using self-reported diaries of all purchases, including food eaten out, over a two week period. Where possible quantities are recorded in the diaries but otherwise estimated. Energy and nutrient intakes are calculated using standard nutrient composition data for each of some 500 types of food. Current estimates are based on data collected in the Family Food Module of the LCFS. Further information about the LCF food databases can be found on the GOV.UK Family Food Statistics web pages. Secure Access version A Secure Access version of the LCF from 2006 onwards is available from the UK Data Archive under SN 7047, subject to stringent access conditions. The Secure Access version includes variables that are not included in the standard End User Licence (EUL) version, including geographical variables with detail below Government Office Region, to postcode level; urban/rural area indicators; other sensitive variables; raw diary information files (derived variables are available in the EUL) and the family expenditure codes files. Users are strongly advised to check whether the EUL version is sufficient for their needs before considering an application for the Secure Access version.Occupation data for 2021 and 2022 data filesThe ONS have identified an issue with the collection of some occupational data in 2021 and 2022 data files in a number of their surveys. While they estimate any impacts will be small overall, this will affect the accuracy of the breakdowns of some detailed (four-digit Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)) occupations, and data derived from them. None of ONS' headline statistics, other than those directly sourced from occupational data, are affected and you can continue to rely on their accuracy. For further information on this issue, please see: https://www.ons.gov.uk/news/statementsandletters/occupationaldatainonssurveys.
For the second edition (May 2011), the variables A012p and A013p in file dvper were replaced with new versions to correct data errors. For the third edition (June 2011), a new version of the DV Set89 data file was deposited. The variable COI_PLUS (Coicop-plus expenditure code) has been updated to correct truncated codes that were present in the previous version.DEFRA Family Food database:This is available as a separate Access download zip file for those users who require it.
Main Topics:Household questionnaire: The first part of the LCF questionnaire collects information about households; the majority of the questions are asked at a household-level, with the household reference person typically responding on behalf of the household as a whole. The household questionnaire includes questions on a range of subjects including family relationships, ethnicity, employment details and the ownership of household durables. It is also the source of all expenditure information not recorded in the LCF diary; principally that which concerns regular payments typically made by all households and large, infrequently purchased items such as vehicles, package holidays and home improvements. Individual questionnaire: The income questionnaire follows on immediately from the household questionnaire and collects the key person-level variables used on the survey. The principal components of the LCF income questionnaire are the sections covering income from employment, benefits and assets. These together form an overview of the total income received by each household, as well as each household member individually. LCF Diary: In addition to the two questionnaires, each individual aged 16 years and over in the household is asked to keep diary records of daily expenditure for two weeks. The EUL version includes only derived variables from the expenditure diary.
Multi-stage stratified random sample
Face-to-face interview
- 2008
- ADMINISTRATIVE AREAS
- AGE
- AIR TRAVEL
- ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
- APARTMENTS
- APPOINTMENT TO JOB
- ASSOCIATIONS
- BANK ACCOUNTS
- BANK CHARGES
- BEDROOMS
- BEVERAGES
- BICYCLES
- BONDS
- BONUS PAYMENTS
- BOOKS
- BUILDING MAINTENANCE
- BUILDING MATERIALS
- BUILDING OPERATIONS
- BUILDING SERVICES
- BUILDING SOCIETIES
- BUILDING SOCIETY AC...
- BUSINESS RECORDS
- CARE OF DEPENDANTS
- CARERS BENEFITS
- CARPETS
- CENTRAL HEATING
- CEREAL PRODUCTS
- CHARITABLE ORGANIZA...
- CHIEF INCOME EARNERS
- CHILD BENEFITS
- CHILD MINDING
- CHILD WORKERS
- CHILDREN
- CLEANING AGENTS
- CLEANING SERVICES
- CLOTHING
- COAL
- COHABITATION
- COLOUR TELEVISION R...
- COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS
- COMPACT DISC PLAYERS
- COMPANY CARS
- COMPUTER SOFTWARE
- COMPUTERS
- CONDITIONS OF EMPLO...
- CONFECTIONERY
- CONSUMER GOODS
- CONSUMERS
- CONSUMPTION
- CONVEYANCING
- COSTS
- COUNCIL TAX
- CREDIT
- CREDIT CARD USE
- CULTURAL GOODS
- Consumption and con...
- DAIRY PRODUCTS
- DEATH ALLOWANCES
- DIESEL OIL
- DIGITAL GAMES
- DISABLED PERSONS
- DOMESTIC APPLIANCES
- DRIVING
- DRIVING LICENCES
- DRUG USE
- ECONOMIC ACTIVITY
- ECONOMIC VALUE
- EDIBLE FATS
- EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
- EDUCATIONAL COURSES
- EDUCATIONAL FEES
- EDUCATIONAL GRANTS
- EDUCATIONAL INSTITU...
- EGGS FOOD
- ELDERLY
- ELECTRIC POWER
- ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY
- ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
- ELECTRONIC COMMERCE
- ELEVATORS
- EMPLOYEES
- EMPLOYMENT
- EMPLOYMENT HISTORY
- EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMMES
- ENDOWMENT ASSURANCE
- ENERGY
- ENTERTAINMENT
- EQUIPMENT RENTAL
- ETHNIC GROUPS
- EXAMINATIONS
- EXPENDITURE
- FAMILIES
- FAMILY BENEFITS
- FEES
- FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
- FINANCIAL RESOURCES
- FINANCIAL SUPPORT
- FINES
- FISH AS FOOD
- FOOD
- FOSSIL FUELS
- FOSTER CHILDREN
- FRINGE BENEFITS
- FRUIT
- FUEL OILS
- FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT
- FURNISHED ACCOMMODA...
- FURNITURE
- Family life and mar...
- GAMBLING
- GARAGES
- GARDENING
- GAS FUELS
- GAS SUPPLY
- GENDER
- GIFTS
- HEADS OF HOUSEHOLD
- HEALTH SERVICES
- HEATING SYSTEMS
- HIGHER EDUCATION
- HIGHER EDUCATION IN...
- HIRE PURCHASE
- HOBBIES
- HOLIDAYS
- HOLIDAYS ABROAD
- HOME BUYING
- HOME OWNERSHIP
- HOME SELLING
- HOME SHARING
- HORTICULTURE
- HOURS OF WORK
- HOUSEHOLD BUDGETS
- HOUSEHOLD PETS
- HOUSEHOLDS
- HOUSES
- HOUSING
- HOUSING BENEFITS
- HOUSING FINANCE
- HOUSING IMPROVEMENT
- HOUSING TENURE
- Health behaviour
- INCOME
- INCOME TAX
- INDUSTRIES
- INSURANCE
- INSURANCE CLAIMS
- INSURANCE PREMIUMS
- INTEREST FINANCE
- INTERNET
- INTERNET USE
- INVESTMENT
- INVESTMENT RETURN
- Income
- JOB DESCRIPTION
- JOB HUNTING
- JOB SEEKER S ALLOWANCE
- LANDLORDS
- LEAVE
- LEISURE GOODS
- LEISURE TIME ACTIVI...
- LESSONS
- LICENCES
- LIFE INSURANCE
- LOANS
- LOCAL TAX BENEFITS
- LODGERS
- LOTTERIES
- MAIL ORDER SERVICES
- MANAGERS
- MARITAL STATUS
- MARKETING
- MARRIED WOMEN
- MARRIED WOMEN WORKERS
- MATERNITY BENEFITS
- MATERNITY LEAVE
- MATERNITY PAY
- MEALS
- MEALS ON WHEELS
- MEAT
- MEDICAL CARE
- MEDICAL INSURANCE
- MEDICAL PRESCRIPTIONS
- METHODS OF PAYMENT
- MILK
- MOBILE HOMES
- MOBILE PHONES
- MORTGAGE PROTECTION...
- MORTGAGES
- MOTOR VEHICLE HIRE
- MOTOR VEHICLES
- NEWSPAPERS
- NUTRIENTS
- OCCUPATIONAL PENSIONS
- OCCUPATIONS
- ONE PARENT FAMILIES
- ONLINE BANKING
- ONLINE SERVICES
- ONLINE SHOPPING
- OUTDOOR PURSUITS
- OVERSEAS TRANSACTIONS
- OVERTIME
- PACKAGE HOLIDAYS
- PACKETED FOODS
- PART TIME COURSES
- PART TIME EMPLOYMENT
- PARTNERSHIPS BUSINESS
- PATERNITY LEAVE
- PENSION CONTRIBUTIONS
- PERIODICALS
- PERSONAL FASHION GOODS
- PET FOODS
- PETROL
- PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
- PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT
- POCKET MONEY
- POSTAL SERVICES
- PRESERVED FOODS
- PRICES
- PRIVATE EDUCATION
- PRIVATE PENSIONS
- PRIVATE PERSONAL PE...
- PRIVATE SCHOOLS
- PRIVATE SECTOR
- PROFIT SHARING
- PROFITS
- PUBLIC SECTOR
- PURCHASING
- RATES
- REBATES
- RECREATIONAL EDUCATION
- REDUNDANCY
- REDUNDANCY PAY
- REMOVAL SERVICES
- RENTED ACCOMMODATION
- RENTS
- RESIDENTIAL MOBILITY
- RETAIL SERVICES
- RETIREMENT
- ROAD VEHICLE MAINTE...
- ROOM SHARING
- ROOMS
- ROYALTIES
- SALT
- SATELLITE RECEIVERS
- SAVINGS
- SCHOLARSHIPS
- SCHOOL MEALS
- SCHOOL MILK PROVISION
- SCHOOLCHILDREN
- SCHOOLS
- SECOND HOMES
- SELF EMPLOYED
- SERVICE INDUSTRIES
- SEWAGE DISPOSAL AND...
- SHARES
- SICK LEAVE
- SICK PAY
- SICK PERSONS
- SICKNESS AND DISABI...
- SMALL BUSINESSES
- SOAP
- SOCIAL CLASS
- SOCIAL HOUSING
- SOCIAL SECURITY
- SOCIAL SECURITY BEN...
- SOCIAL SECURITY CON...
- SOCIAL SERVICES
- SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS
- SOFT DRINKS
- SPECTACLES
- SPORT
- SPORTS EQUIPMENT
- SPOUSES
- STATE RETIREMENT PE...
- STRIKE PAY
- STRIKES
- STUDENT LOANS
- STUDENT TRANSPORTATION
- STUDENTS
- SUBSCRIPTIONS
- SUBSIDIARY EMPLOYMENT
- SUPERVISORS
- TAKE AWAY MEALS
- TAX RELIEF
- TAXATION
- TELEPHONES
- TELEVISION CHANNELS
- TELEVISION RECEIVERS
- TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT
- TENANTS HOME PURCHA...
- TIED HOUSING
- TINNED FOODS
- TOBACCO
- TOP MANAGEMENT
- TOURIST ACCOMMODATION
- TRADE UNIONS
- TRANSPORT
- TRAVEL
- TURNOVER
- TUTORING
- UNEARNED INCOME
- UNEMPLOYED
- UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
- UNFURNISHED ACCOMMO...
- UNWAGED WORKERS
- VEGETABLE OILS
- VEGETABLES
- VIDEO RECORDERS
- WAGES
- WINNINGS
- WORKERS
- WORKING MOTHERS
- WORKING WOMEN
- WRITING MATERIALS
- property and invest...
Provenance | |
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Creator | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Office for National Statistics |
Publisher | UK Data Service |
Publication Year | 2010 |
Funding Reference | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Office for National Statistics |
Rights | <a href="https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/re-using-public-sector-information/uk-government-licensing-framework/crown-copyright/" target="_blank">© Crown copyright</a>. The use of these data is subject to the <a href="https://ukdataservice.ac.uk/app/uploads/cd137-enduserlicence.pdf" target="_blank">UK Data Service End User Licence Agreement</a>. Additional restrictions may also apply.; <p>The Data Collection is available to UK Data Service registered users subject to the <a href="https://ukdataservice.ac.uk/app/uploads/cd137-enduserlicence.pdf" target="_blank">End User Licence Agreement</a>.</p><p>Commercial use of the data requires approval from the data owner or their nominee. The UK Data Service will contact you.</p> |
OpenAccess | true |
Representation | |
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Resource Type | Numeric |
Discipline | Economics; History; Humanities; Social and Behavioural Sciences |
Spatial Coverage | United Kingdom |