Spring sunshine and late Easter boost UK consumer spending

In April, UK consumer spending saw a significant increase of 7% year-on-year, driven by warm weather and the late Easter holiday, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). This rise marked a notable improvement over the previous year’s average growth, with strong performances in food, DIY, and clothing sectors, despite ongoing economic uncertainties and a cost of living crisis. Additionally, separate data from Barclays indicated a 4.5% annual increase in spending, underscoring consumer resilience amidst challenges, as enhanced household finances from wage increases and lower mortgage rates contributed to this growth.