Families squeezed by leisure costs rise

The price of Premier League tickets has increased by 16 per cent in the past year, while adult off-peak train fares are up eight per cent, the Spare Time Spending study from Halifax said.

It found 17 of the 19 leisure costs included in the study have increased over the last 12 months, seven at a faster rate than inflation.

However, readers have seen the price of digital books fall by 18 per cent and those bought off the shelf by two per cent.

Football remains the highest cost in the report, with an average monthly spend based on tickets for two Premier League matches of £85.85 – an increase of 198 per cent in a decade.

Despite the Olympics effect, membership costs for all other sports listed in the report have increased in the last 12 months, but only gym memberships have risen at a faster rate than inflation (three per cent) to an average £37.93 a month.

The only sporting cost to decrease over the decade is cycling membership, dropping 19 per cent from an average £1.19 a month in 2003 to just 96p a month, according to the report.

And while increases in the cost of fuel and train fare costs have been well documented, those opting for a cheaper camping option can expect an average daily spend of £35.38 on entertainment, provisions and local services – up from £24.25 in 2003 – in addition to an average site fee of £20 per pitch per night for a family tent.

A day at a theme park costs an average entrance charge of £40.44, up 38 per cent on 2003.

Anthony Warrington of the Halifax said: “The fact that these costs are continuing to rise, and some at a faster rate than inflation, will put even more pressure on households as they try to plan ahead for the May bank holidays and half term.”