Nightclub entry fees removed from cost-of-living calculations

These entry fees are just one of the things which have been removed from the way the UK calculates the cost of living.

Many clubs have removed enrty fees, causing them to be removed from the cost of living calculations

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said it will no longer count nightclub entry fees as part of the consumer prices index (CPI) inflation, because the number of clubs in the UK has fallen in recent years, while many of those that remain no longer charge.

The ONS calculates CPI inflation by monitoring a basket of 704 everyday items, which are updated periodically to reflect changes in UK spending habits.

In its new list there are 15 new entries, with 14 items dropping out of the basket.

The data body also said CD-Roms and rewritable DVDs have also both been removed from its basket, reflecting the change in the way computer sales have moved away from physical products.

But the ONS added that computer software, for word processing, antivirus or web design, and downloaded computer games have been added to the basket. Other additions include coffee pods for new coffee machines, and cream liqueurs such as Baileys Irish Cream.

Pouches of microwave rice and multipacks of meat-based snacks to represent the market for “buffet-type food” have also found their way into the 2016 basket of goods.

Women’s leggings have also been added to the list, because they are “a type of casual clothing not currently covered but widely purchased”.

The ONS said ideally items in the basket must be easy to find, and should be available throughout the year.

UK consumers should spend around £400 million or more a year on a product in the Basket.

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