British consumer confidence slumped sharply in November, recording its biggest monthly drop since April, as households grew more pessimistic about both the economic outlook and their own finances.
A survey by Opinium for the British Retail Consortium (BRC) found that expectations for the economy over the next three months fell to –44%, down from –35% in October, the lowest reading since April. Expectations for personal finances also weakened, dropping to –16%, from –11% a month earlier.
The BRC said the decline reflects renewed strain on household budgets and broader uncertainty following recent government signals about possible income-tax increases, proposals that now appear to have been shelved. BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said spending expectations have softened as Christmas approaches, with households planning to cut back on non-food retail purchases and wider discretionary spending.
The survey period coincided with lingering pressure from earlier tariff announcements by U.S. President Donald Trump, which had already dampened sentiment earlier in the year. Attention now turns to Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, who will deliver the UK budget on November 26.
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Weak consumer sentiment highlights ongoing pressure on UK retail and discretionary sectors, adding downside risk to holiday spending and reinforcing expectations that the November 26 budget will be closely watched for household-support measures.
