The data compiled from this type of survey have various uses. One prime objective is utilizing the data as the basis of the Retail Prices Index which will in due course replace the existing one. To this end, as already explained, a selection of goods and services ordinarily consumed by families is incorporated in the Retail Prices Index. The prices of the items making up this basket of goods and services are monitored regularly upon the initiation of the new Index. About 3000 dwellings in the Maltese Islands are selected randomly and are subsequently requested to participate in the Survey.
All families are eligible for selection.
The families chosen as participants are asked to record their total expenditure over a period of three weeks specified by the National Statistics Office. The Household Budgetary Survey is spread out over a period of one year. To this end, the year in which the Survey is held is segmented into periods of three weeks each. Every three-week period will see families from all over Malta and Gozo taking part in the project. Consequently, every week, one group of families will be starting their assignment while another group will be concluding it.