Less a consultant firm, more an economic institute. This has nothing to do with consumerism, cars televisions, or what they want. If it was based on what people wanted then the living wage would probably be much higher. It's all about what people need to live a basic lifestyle. That is to say one in which they aren't threatened by poverty.
again, you are allowing govt to be your parent or overlord. Who are they to decide whether or not I NEED an IPhone 6 plus, or if I NEED 2 weeks in Hawaii ?
So, it seems that you are OK with the govt determing what are the needs of the individual.
Again, "from each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs"
you may want to become familiar with the above quote because that is what you are suggesting and support.