5.3.17 Travel is now the second largest expenditure category for households in the South West (second to Recreation and Culture). Nationally, travel remains the biggest category. According to the Family Spending Report on the 2009 Living Costs and Food Survey, households in the South West spent an average of £62.60 per week on travel and transport in 2007-09, slightly higher than the England average of £61.70 per week. Transport expenditure accounted for approximately 13% of total household expenditure in the South West, a decrease of one percentage point compared with 2007/08 (see Table 5.3.3). Total household expenditure in both South West and the England rose between 2008/08 and 2007 - 09. The slight drop in the proportion made up by transport may be due to increases in other areas of expenditure.
Table 5.3.3 Household Expenditure on Travel
|
Year |
Area |
Total household expenditure (£) |
Total transport costs (£) |
Motoring as % of overall expenditure |
Transport Services as % of overall transport
expenditure |
Transport costs as % of overall expenditure |
| 2006/7 |
South West |
446.2 |
70.3 |
14% |
2% |
16% |
|
England |
460.3 |
62.4 |
11% |
2% |
14% |
| 2007/8 |
South West |
469.2 |
65.6 |
12% |
2% |
14% |
|
England |
465.2 |
62.5 |
11% |
2% |
13% |
2009-09*
|
South West
|
474.10
|
62.60
|
12%
|
3%
|
13%
|
|
England
|
467.50
|
61.70
|
11%
|
3%
|
13%
|
Source:
Family Spending, A report on the 2009 Living Costs and Food Survey
* 3 year average
|
5.3.18 Motoring costs continue to
account for a slightly larger percentage of household expenditure in the
South West than in England overall.
