In general, the higher the income, the more likely a household was to have consumer durables. In 2001, households with a gross weekly income of over £500 were far more likely than households with an income of £100 or less to have a:

• dishwasher (47% compared with 13%);

• home computer (75% compared with 27%);

• access to internet at home (66% compared with 20%);

• mobile phone (89% compared with 49%);

• CD player (95% compared with 59%);

• tumble drier (65% compared with 42%).

The main exception to this relationship was colour televisions with access approaching 100% for all income groups.