Cost of living hasnt dropped in reality here - like I say its a 'massaged' figure to satisfy certain political targets. Just like everywhere else in Europe the price of everything is going up, up, up.
The figures we have to abide by this year are a drop from 109.x % to 104.x% I believe.
So its only risen very very slowly over the years. This is only the 2nd time its fallen and this time its by an unprecented amount.
Figures talked about suggest an overall loss of around 10% in purchasing 'power' using this system over the years with our salary. Its been a very poor deal in comparison to what we could have negotiated year on year, but admittedly (until now) gave some security.
Thats as I understand it anyways.