A selection of images representing communities.
For definition of a dwelling, type of dwelling, tenure and general definition of a household see Definition of general housing terms.
The tables in this section are derived from the Expenditure and Food Survey (EFS). This continuous survey of household expenditure, which was previously known as the Family Expenditure Survey, is conducted by the Office for National Statistics. It collects data from 7,000 households per annum in Great Britain, of which some 6,000 are in England.
Each individual aged 16 or over in responding households is asked to keep diary records of daily expenditure for two weeks. Simplified diaries are kept by children aged between 7 and 15. Information about regular items such as rent and mortgage payments are obtained from a household interview along with retrospective information on certain large infrequent expenditures, for example, home improvements.
Information is also collected on housing benefits, rebates and allowances received, as is detailed information on income. Personal information such as age, sex and marital status is recorded for each household member in addition certain housing topics are recorded: housing tenure, accommodation type, number of rooms, number of bedrooms, central heating.
Results from the EFS are published annually in the ONS report Family Spending. Unpublished results on housing, and housing related, topics can be obtained from Communities and Local Government, Housing and Communities Analysis Division, Zone 3/H10, Eland House, London SW1E 5DU.
Each local authority is required by statute to keep a Housing Revenue Account in which are recorded the annual revenue income and expenditure in respect of dwellings and other property provided under Part II of the Housing Act 1985 .
The main items of expenditure are:
a. loan charges in respect of moneys borrowed for the provision or improvement of local authority housing accommodation mainly under Part II of the Housing Act 1985
b. supervision and management
c. housing repairs
d. HRA subsidy contributions
The main items of income are:
a. rents (excluding rates and water charges)
b. service charges
c. Exchequer housing subsidies
d. investment and interest income from the sale of dwellings
Figures of expenditure and income for each authority are collected annually by Communities and Local Government in housing subsidy claim forms.