SCOTS spend more on mobile phones, broadband and TV subscriptions than on food, according to new research.

Analysis found technology is now a household essential, commanding a higher percentage of the monthly spend than buying groceries, paying off debt or meeting childcare costs.

The claim comes from the How Scotland Lives report by Bank of Scotland. Rachel Bright, of the bank, said: “It is clear from these findings that technology is the new household essential, and is no longer considered a luxury. People want to use the latest tablets and smartphones to get ‘on demand’ access to the services they need like television, shopping or online banking.”

Technology costs now take up 14 per cent of the average national take-home monthly wage of £1,828. Gadget, internet, mobile phone and TV service costs are said to add up to £259. The average mortgage or rental payment take up almost one quarter of the money, costing householders £423, with another £250 spent on groceries and £226 paying off debts.

Childcare costs were put at £225, with pension contributions, car costs, insurance and going out making up the rest of the outgoings, along with adult care costs, club memberships, and other shopping.

However, the picture varied across the country, with people in the Lothians spending the most on nights out at around £116 per month, £19 more than the national average.

The research also highlighted Lothian as the region which spends the highest amount of cash on themselves and their partners, with residents forking out an average £98 per month – £14 more than the national average.

Car and housing costs were highest in Aberdeen, while the Highlands and Islands topped the chart for debt payments and adult care costs.

Overall, almost half of Scots carry some form of debt from the previous month, and more than half of this group said they were “concerned” with their financial position.

The research was completed by YouGov, the findings based on more than 3,000 online interviews.

Bright said: “It’s concerning that almost half of Scots aren’t paying off their debts from previous months and we would always encourage people to look at other areas to see if they can make savings that will allow them to pay off more debt.”


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