The cost of living in the UK increased by a record amount in August, with rising gas and food prices now prompting fears for family budgets over the winter and Christmas period.
Last month NationalWorld revealed the 20 food and drink items that had seen the biggest price hikes in the last year, with food as a whole becoming 0.2% more expensive in the year to August.
Margarine topped the table, with a massive annual increase of 13.4%. There were also big price increases for items such as cakes and pastries, offal, lamb and ice cream.
The data was based on the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI), published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which rose by a record 3.2% in the year to August. Figures for September are due out later this month.
But what about non-food products?
The CPI is a measure of inflation that weighs changes in the average price of a basket of goods and services used by households, which can range from energy to haircuts, clothes to plants, personal carers to public transport.
The overall CPI increase masks larger spikes in distinct goods and services, many for activities thought to have increased in popularity during the pandemic – from sewing and gardening, to DIY and camping.
Some year-on-year increases may be temporary, brought about by low costs last year thanks to measures designed to stimulate the economy, such as Eat Out to Help Out and the VAT discount for businesses.
Here we reveal the 21 non-food and beverage goods and services with the biggest price hikes in the 12 months to August, according to the ONS.
9. Bicycles
The Covid pandemic may have encouraged people to get out on their bikes – but there has been an increased price tag on this leisure pursuit in the last year, with costs rising by 14.7%. This includes rickshaws, and excludes powered versions such as electric bikes. Photo: Shutterstock
10. Passenger transport by air
The price of flights has soared over the last year despite restrictions on travel, rising by 14.4%. The ONS data does not distinguish between domestic and international flights. This category also includes helicopter travel. Photo: Pxfuel
11. Refrigerators, freezers and fridge-freezers
Fridges and freezers have also become hot commodities. Prices are up by 13.2% year on year. Photo: Christina Hendricks, Flickr
12. Hotels, motel, inns and similar accommodation services
The cost of a stay in a hotel, motel, inn or similar has become 13% more expensive on average. This category includes B&Bs, but not youth hostels, holiday centres or other self-catering accommodation. Photo: Shutterstock