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UK consumer confidence rises
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The gist
UK consumer confidence rose in August, with economic expectations at -28.
The Burnham government's honeymoon boost hinges on easing household budget pressure.
Background
Consumer confidence in the UK has improved, according to a survey by Opinium for the British Retail Consortium. The rise is attributed to a 'honeymoon boost' for new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, whose early measures on the cost of living have made shoppers more optimistic. However, the BRC warns that maintaining this momentum depends on the government easing pressure on household budgets, with the upcoming Budget seen as a key test.
How it unfolded
- Aug 14, 2026GfK Consumer Confidence Index shows improvement in July, though housing market slowdown deepens.
- Aug 19, 2026BRC-Opinium survey shows consumer confidence at highest level since start of Iran war; UK inflation rises on household energy bills.
- Aug 20, 2026BRC reports consumer confidence improved in August, with economic expectations at -28, up from -36 in July.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Helen Dickinson, BRC chief executive, says the Burnham administration is enjoying a honeymoon boost driven by less pessimism about the outlook.
- Caution
- Dickinson warns that maintaining momentum will depend on whether the government can ease pressure on household budgets, with the Budget as the acid test.