HBS

Abstract

Household Budget Surveys (HBSs) are national surveys focusing mainly on consumption expenditure. They are conducted in all EU Member States and their primary aim (especially at national level) is to calculate weights for the Consumer Price Index. They were launched in most EU Member States in the beginning of the 1960's and Eurostat has been collating and publishing these survey data every five years since 1988. The two last collection rounds were 2005. Since the survey is conducted based on a gentlemen’s agreement, each Member State decides the objectives, methodology and frequency of conduction of the survey. Although there have been continuous efforts towards harmonisation, differences remain. The surveys vary between countries in terms of frequency, timing, content or structure.