According to BRC-Opinium data, consumer expectations over the next three months of:
- The state of the economy improved to -38 in December, up from -44 in November.
- Their personal financial situation improved to -10 in December, up from -16 in November.
- Their personal spending on retail fell to +6 in December, down from +8 in November.
- Their personal spending overall rose to +17 in December, up from +14 in November.
- Their personal saving fell to -9 in December, down from -5 in November.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:
“With the Budget not as bad as feared for households, confidence saw a slight uptick in December. Yet the overall picture remains gloomy, with confidence in the economy stuck below -30 for eleven out of last twelve months. Expectations for retail spending continued to slide for the third consecutive month, proving challenges remain in the year ahead.
“Government needs to pull the levers of growth, tearing down red tape and bureaucracy to allow businesses to flourish and create more jobs. From the Employment Rights Bill to rules on less healthy foods, the Government must consider the cumulative impact of its policies on business, ensuring new regulations are workable and do not punish responsible businesses.”
