These are the top 40 ‘non-negotiables’ for people in the UK
A poll of 2,000 adults found 85 per cent have had to make lifestyle adjustments because of the rising prices – but of these, 63 per cent say they are still putting cash aside for life’s little pleasures.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSome of those in the top 10 include spending quality time alone or with loved ones, catching up with friends and watching the latest films.
And one in six ensure they’re still taking a trip to the cinema every month or more.
Long walks, haircuts and good quality toilet roll were other absolute non-negotiables according to respondents.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe research was commissioned by Vue Entertainment to coincide with its Super Saver tickets - available under a fiver when booked online - for use at more of its screenings than ever before.
A spokesperson from the big screen entertainment operator said: “It has been interesting to see what pleasures and treats people are still choosing to prioritise even though many are cutting back on luxuries at the moment.
“The research has revealed a real variation of responses, but also how many of these are because they provide a real boost in difficult times?
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“And the stats also show how many of these boosts aren’t big things, but it’s the small everyday treats that keep people going.”
More than half (55 per cent) said the changes they’ve had to make have impacted their lifestyle as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, with 45 per cent saying their personal life has been affected, and for 27 per cent their social life.
Enjoying life on a budget
Though respondents have an average of four ‘non negotiables’ with 42 per cent believing they’re important for mental health and a third said life would be more boring without them.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAnd 61 per cent get a real boost from little pleasures with 43 per cent believing these to be more impactful now at a time when money is tight.
It also emerged 29 per cent now place more value on everyday occurrences since the cost-of-living crisis began.
While 53 per cent of those polled via OnePoll would be inclined to watch films on the big screen were there a reduction to ticket prices at certain times.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdScreen and sound quality as well as comfortable seats were what people enjoy most about going to the cinema, with a quarter enjoying the opportunity to completely switch off.
And it’s a family affair for 31 per cent who take their children, while 58 per cent go with their partner.
The spokesperson from Vue Entertainment added: “The main “non-negotiable” for those responding to the survey was spending time with loved ones, with sense of community and “me time” also being on the list.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad”The big screen can provide all of these and more, not to mention people’s desire to watch the latest films, a pleasure that features in the top 10 responses.
“We want to ensure that people can still enjoy a trip to our venues and can do so on a budget that suits them."
The top 40 ‘non-negotiables’ for people in the UK
- Spending time with loved ones
- Reading books
- Owning a car
- Going for long walks
- Eating out once in a while
- Me time
- Seeing friends
- Haircuts
- Good quality toilet roll
- Watching films
- Cooking myself a treat
- Exploring nearby places
- Having a good smartphone
- Trips to the beach
- Buying a certain brand of chocolate
- My favourite takeaway
- Going to the pub
- Branded baked beans
- Buying makeup
- Following my favourite football team
- Trips to the cinema
- Using the tumble dryer
- Branded ketchup
- A glass of something fizzy on a Friday night
- Sports channel subscription
- Music subscription e.g. Spotify
- Branded mayonnaise
- Going for runs
- Going to gigs
- Gym membership
- Organic fruit and vegetables
- Writing in a journal
- Going camping
- Practicing yoga
- Video game subscription
- Magazine subscription
- Getting my nails done
- Going wild swimming
- Buying vinyl records
- Posh milk
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.