INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

THE average wage was just under £10 a week or £241 per year. Food, fuel and rent took up half of the money coming in. Some 6% of the weekly spend went on heating and lighting. Clothes and shoes took up 10% and just less went on entertainment – including local dance hall admissions at up to one shilling and six pence (7p). But that was money well spent with 70% of couples at the time meeting on the dance floor. A pint cost 5p in 1957; 20 cigarettes cost 18p.