Consumer confidence in the economy and personal financial situations has fallen for the first time in six months, according to GfK’s September Consumer Confidence Index.

The longest-running measure of consumer confidence fell sharply in September, raising concerns about whether government rhetoric about Budget "pain" has spooked people. GfK's Consumer Confidence Index had been recovering after years of rolling crises, higher interest rates and inflation gradually creeping up.

Starmer insists he is setting out reality of ‘badly damaged economy’ as GfK survey shows sharp fall in household morale