UK HCI index: retired households
UK HCI index: retired households stood at 147.2 in Jun 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Consumer price inflation table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 2005 to Jun 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Consumer price inflation table
| Indicator | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | 09-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-items index by household group (2015 = 100) | |||||||||||
| Retired households | 147.2 | 147.1 | 146.9 | 145.8 | 144.9 | 144.4 | 144.6 | 144.1 | 144.3 | 143.9 | |
| Non-retired households | 147.5 | 147.4 | 147.1 | 145.8 | 144.8 | 144.3 | 144.7 | 144.1 | 144.4 | 143.9 |
Understanding UK HCI index: retired households
Observing cost changes for retired households across the United Kingdom, this index measures the inflation experienced by demographic groups where the principal or secondary earners have withdrawn from the labour force. The basket composition reflects the distinct spending priorities of older populations, placing heavier emphasis on healthcare, domestic utilities, and food while allocating less to transport and education. This differentiates the series from non-retired groupings whose consumption patterns lean towards employment-related expenses.
Analysing this measure requires examining twelve-month rates to eliminate seasonal weather impacts on heating costs and holiday pricing. Revisions to early figures are minimal, tied mainly to late-arriving retail price verifications. Analysts comparing retired and non-retired series often find divergence during energy price shocks due to the higher proportion of income retired households spend on domestic fuel.
Three targeted questions guide users examining this series.
Frequently asked questions
- How is a retired household defined for this series?
- A household where the majority of income is derived from pensions or investments rather than wages from active employment.
- Why do energy prices affect retired households differently?
- Domestic fuel accounts for a larger share of total expenditure for retired individuals compared to working-age households.
- Does this index include residential care costs?
- The series focuses on private residential households and excludes institutional care settings.