Smart speakers and bakeware added to UK inflation basket

Envelopes and three-piece suites axed in move that shows shifting consumer habits

Alexa, what is the rate of UK inflation? Smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home have been added to the list of items monitored by the government to ensure the UK's measure of the cost of living reflects the spending habits of modern Britain.

The home technology devices will now have their prices checked once a month by the Office for National Statistics in order to calculate the annual inflation rate.

Some of the items added to the list