Savvy shoppers delay for discounts

A SMALL lift in consumer confidence during October has failed to take a leading index into positive territory, amid fears that the upcoming Budget could damage people’s personal finances.

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Labour has made boosting living standards a central mission while Chancellor Rachel Reeves has talked up plans to lower the cost of living.

But a renewed focus from the Government on boosting the UK economy has yet to materially raise spirits about personal finances and spending powers.

GfK’s leading consumer survey showed a meagre two-point increase on the index score to -17, while the major purchase index, which tracks people’s interests in buying more expensive items, improved slightly from -16 in September to -12 in October.