The volume measure provides an estimate of the amount of goods
and services purchased by households. In Q3 2012 it increased by
0.4 per cent, meaning it was 4.8 per cent below the peak of pre
recession spending in Q4 2007. The current price value of
household spending (inflation included) shows how much UK
households spent. In Q3 2012 it increased by 0.8 per cent on the
quarter, meaning it was 10.5 per cent higher than Q4 2007. In Q3
2012, the value of UK household spending per head, in current
price terms, was £3,840, an increase of 0.6 per cent on the
quarter, £241 higher than in Q4 2007. Household Final
Consumption Expenditure (HHFCE) includes spending on goods and
services except buying or extending a house, investment in
valuables (paintings, antiques) or purchasing second-hand goods.
Explanations for these exceptions and the related concepts are
available in the Consumer Trends guidance and methodology
section. Household expenditure is used in the National Accounts
to measure the contribution of househo