The British Retail Consortium has released its BRC-Opinium data, finding that consumer confidence fell ahead of the Budget.

Consumer expectations over the next three months of the state of the economy fell “significantly” to -44 in November, down from -35 in October.

BRC also found that consumers’ personal financial situation worsened to -16 in November, down from -11 in October. Overall personal spending fell to +14 in November, down from +18 in October, while personal saving rose to -5 in November, up from -9 in October.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said: “It has been a tumultuous month of Budget speculation and consumer confidence took a tumble. Strong hints by Government earlier this month of income tax rises heightened public concern about their own finances and the wider economy, though Government has since rowed back.

“With Christmas fast approaching, public expectations of spending – both on non-food retail goods and across wider spending – fell. Though expected spending on groceries did rise to its highest level since the survey began in 2024 as households prepare for Christmas during a period of high food price inflation.

“The Chancellor needs a few rabbits from the Budget hat next week to bolster weak consumer and business confidence – both essential for economic growth. Delivering on her promised business rates reforms and helping bring down the spiralling cost burden facing retailers will keep price rises in check and revive the fortunes of many struggling high streets. After decades of retail and hospitality paying the lion’s share of business rates, there is finally an opportunity to turn this broken tax into one that encourages local investment and supports local jobs.”