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.

Some 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.

The 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?

“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.

And 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.

Screen 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.

”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

1. Spending time with loved ones
2. Reading books
3. Owning a car
4. Going for long walks
5. Eating out once in a while
6. Me time
7. Seeing friends
8. Haircuts
9. Good quality toilet roll
10. Watching films
11. Cooking myself a treat
12. Exploring nearby places
13. Having a good smartphone
14. Trips to the beach
15. Buying a certain brand of chocolate
16. My favourite takeaway
17. Going to the pub
18. Branded baked beans
19. Buying makeup
20. Following my favourite football team
21. Trips to the cinema
22. Using the tumble dryer
23. Branded ketchup
24. A glass of something fizzy on a Friday night
25. Sports channel subscription
26. Music subscription e.g. Spotify
27. Branded mayonnaise
28. Going for runs
29. Going to gigs
30. Gym membership
31. Organic fruit and vegetables
32. Writing in a journal
33. Going camping
34. Practicing yoga
35. Video game subscription
36. Magazine subscription
37. Getting my nails done
38. Going wild swimming
39. Buying vinyl records
40. Posh milk