Schwerin (dpa / mv) - The statistical office in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is looking for 2000 households who want to provide information about their finances for a large-scale consumer survey. The office announced on Tuesday that the sample income and consumption sample (EVS) is the largest voluntary survey of official statistics in Germany. Among other things, they are asked about the level of expenditure on food, housing and mobility. The motto is "Where is my money?"
In the coming year, every participating household should document its spending on food, clothing and leisure for three months - either on paper questionnaires or via an app, as it was said. In addition, questions were asked about the household, housing situation, equipment with durable consumer goods, the financial situation and income. Every fifth household also documents in detail the expenditure and quantities purchased for food, beverages and tobacco products for two weeks. As a thank you, the office pays between 100 and 175 euros, depending on the effort involved.
The EVS provides important facts about what people in Germany spend how much money on. For example, the data formed the basis for determining support payments for children and adults. According to the information, they are also included in the calculation of the inflation rate.
The Statistical Office emphasized that data protection and confidentiality would be fully guaranteed, as with all surveys by the Statistical Office. "All information will be treated as strictly confidential and will only be used for statistical purposes," the statisticians assured.
