So how’s consumer confidence shaping up at the start of the year’s final quarter and ahead of the new government’s first Budget? Overall, not so good, with data company GfK referring to the overall mood as “despondent”.

Headline consumer confidence slipping one point in October to a reading of -21, taking the score back to the level last seen in March.

But a couple of key indicators (personal finances and purchase intentions) did at least edge up, according to GfK’s October figures, but, overall, three measures declined and two rose compared to September’s announcement.

The mood was further summed up as the measure for the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months fell five points to -42 month on month, although this is still 12 points higher than last October. 

And expectations for the general economic situation over the next 12 months are down a more modest one point at -28, and still four points better than October 2023. 

The index measuring changes in personal finances during the last year also fell one point to -10, but nine points better than in October 2023. And the forecast for personal finances over the next 12 months rose one point to -2, six points higher than this time last year.

Meanwhile, the Major Purchase Index did rise two points to -21, some 13 points higher than this month last year.

Finally, the Savings Index also rose four points to +27, two points higher than October 2023.

Neil Bellamy, Consumer Insights director for GfK, said: “As the budget statement looms, consumers are in a despondent mood despite a fall in the headline rate of inflation. This month’s Consumer Confidence Barometer paints a picture of people holding their breath to see what’s in store for them on 30 October.”