Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices

HC Deb 21 May 2003 vol 405 c842W

Mr. Flook

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices includes(a) housing costs and (b) council tax. [113578]

John Healey

The information requested falls within the responsibility of the National Statistician. I have asked him to reply.

Letter from L. Cook to Mr. A. Flook, dated May 2003: As National Statistician, I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking whether the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) includes (a) housing costs and (b) council tax.(113578) The HICP does not include council tax and certain costs faced by owner occupiers including mortgage interest payments, house depreciation and buildings insurance. Housing costs included in the HICP are rentals paid by tenants and minor repairs and maintenance charges typically paid by both tenants and owner occupiers alike.