In message , Robin writes
There was a suggestion that younger householders are less keen on
DIY. Is this because they can afford not to, or a reflection of
increasing bureaucratic control?

Combined effect of (a) parents who did less DIY than their parents, (b)
less hands-on experience at school, (c) scare stories from the safety
lobbies, encouraging (d) the perception that it's not allowed (eg all
the erroenous warnings that anything to do with gas "must be fitted by a
GASAFE fitter" and that "the electrical connections must be carried out
by a qualified electrician"?

(e) In some parts of the country, younger people can no longer afford to
buy their own homes, so they are renting. You don't do much DIY in
rented property.
--
Ian