Domestic vacuum cleaners aren't much cop these days, as with other consumer durables, competition driving prices down means manufacturing costs have to be cut.
Get a 'Numatic' vacuum, I use them every day at work, they will stand up to rough use, provide a lot more suction for the same or less motor power, do not block up easily, etc etc etc. Their 'Henry' model is sold by many retail outlets.
One of those products, like 'Dualit' toasters, 'Aga' and 'Rayburn' cookers, and 'Roberts' radio's, that are miles ahead of the competition.