Consumer confidence tumbles ahead of Budget
Fieldwork conducted on 6 – 9 October 2026
According to BRC-Opinium data, consumer expectations over the next three months of:
- The state of the economy worsened to -40 in October, down from -34 in September.
- Their personal financial situation worsened to -18 in October, down from -15 in September.
- Their personal spending on retail rose to +15 in October, up from +5 in September.
- Their personal spending overall rose to +23 in October, up from +15 in September.
- Their personal saving fell to -9 in October, down from -7 in September.
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Consumer confidence in the economy dropped for the third consecutive month against a backdrop of rising inflation and ongoing geopolitical tensions. Meanwhile, sentiment about personal finances fell to the second-lowest level on record, as confidence among Gen X and Boomers tumbled after the announcements around pensions. With the festive period now falling within the three-month window, there were significant rises in spending expectations, though concerns around inflation may also be contributing to this.
“Households everywhere will be looking to the chancellor to tackle the cost of living challenge at next week’s Budget. Retailers have been doing everything they can to limit price rises, but with the industry now paying 20% more in taxes than two years ago, there is no more room for manoeuvre. Government must act on the tsunami of costs that have hit the industry, from employer National Insurance Contributions to business rates. A little breathing room for retailers at the Budget can mean a lot of breathing room for households.”
Consumer expectations for the state of the economy over the next three months:
Consumer expectations for their personal financial situation over the next three months:
Consumer expectations of spending over the next three months by category:
Consumer NET expectations of spending over the next three months by category: