Alcopops out but e-bikes in as UK’s shopping basket is updated

THE e-bike has been added to the shopping basket used by government statisticians to measure inflation.

The decision was made by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which changes the make-up of the basket once a year to ensure it better reflects spending habits and lifestyles.

The organisation said the shift reflects a greater emphasis on health, while also recognising the fast pace of change in the technology households rely on.

Also coming in this year are home security cameras, such as the Ring doorbells, and frozen berries which are increasingly featuring in homemade healthy smoothies.

Dropping out are alcopops, the sugary fizzy drinks often packed with vodka, that were the introduction to alcohol to many teens.

They have been taken out because changes in prices charged by pubs and restaurants are currently over-represented in the inflation calculations, according to the ONS.

The ever-greater reliance on mobile phones is behind the removal of other gadgets from the basket – such as the digital compact camera. Meanwhile meat-free sausages, chickpeas and lentils are entering the basket for the first time. This annual updating reflects the changing tastes and habits of consumers in an attempt to maintain the accuracy of inflation estimates.

Last year, the formal two-piece suit was removed, which recognised a shift to working from home and more casual attire in the office.

The ONS said electric bikes, which can cost many thousands of pounds, had become popular because of increased awareness of the environment and personal fitness.

‘The addition of home security cameras reflects homeowners spending money to protect their home,’ it added.

Linda Ellett, UK head of consumer markets, retail and leisure for KPMG, said: ‘Accurately tracking the rate at which the price of common consumer goods and services rise is key at a time where so many households are having to carefully manage their budgets.’