Consumer confidence improved for a third straight month, hitting its highest level since last June, says the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

According to BRC-Opinium data, consumer expectations over the next three months show the state of the economy improved to -30 in February, up from -32 in January.

Their personal financial situation improved to -6 in February, up from -8 in January. Their personal spending on retail rose to 0 in February, up from -6 in January.

Their personal spending overall rose to +6 in February, up from +5 in January. Their personal saving fell to 0 in February, down from +2 in January.

Within the categories, consumer expectations over the same period for spending on home and garden furniture are down -9%, narrowing from -11% the previous month, while DIY and home improvements were up at +3%, improving from -1%.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Young people remain the most upbeat, with men notably more confident than women about the months ahead. Spending expectations also edged up in February, but retail demand remains weak by historical standards, leaving retailers under continued pressure.

“This lift in confidence is encouraging, but fragile. Slow growth and rising unemployment still weigh heavily on the economy. Potential future rate cuts and rising real wages could help unlock discretionary spending, but only if Government acts too —tackling economic headwinds and mitigating business costs to help ease the cost of living. Only by boosting consumer spending can retail begin to unlock more jobs and investment in local economies across the country.”