Income tracker shows disposable income has fallen

27 April 2012

Posted by John King

New figures from the Asda Income Tracker have shown that disposable income for the average family has decreased since last year.

The figure now stands at £144 a week after essentials like heating oil, taxes and electricity have been paid for, 6.5 per cent lower than in March 2011.

It was found that the north-west is the region worst affected by the squeeze on finances, as the average family there now has only £136 a week of disposable income left to spend.

Managing economist at CEBR Charles Davis suggested the situation could get worse over the coming months, particularly following the 3.5 per cent rise in the consumer price index in February.

This comes after Aviva found that people in their 30s and 40s are most concerned about the rising cost of living.

The decline in disposable income was attributed to a rise in the cost of utilities and transport, with Asda's Andy Clarke commenting: "It is worrying to see the cost of essentials creeping back up, increasing the demands on family budgets."

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