ONS explains change in its 'basket' measure of inflation
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has been explaining the latest changes to its shopping basket - the sample of goods used to measure inflation.
ONS statistician Phil Gooding explained that the annual update was needed to avoid the basket becoming out of date and reflecting old spending habits such as "wild rabbit meat or household mangles used to dry clothes", which were removed in the 1950s.
There are currently 699 items in the basket with 14 new additions such as video streaming services and fruit pots, and nine that have been removed, including DVD players and hardwood flooring.
13 Mar 2014
- From the section Business