Story perspectives
UK Households Fear Rising Costs, Interest Hikes, Spending Slump
5/18/2026
1 of 1
Story summary
- UK households list rising living costs as their primary financial worry, with 51% expecting interest rates to rise.
- Consumer sentiment fell to 42.1 in May, the lowest since July 2023.
- Household savings fell rapidly, the fastest decline since July 2023, due to high energy prices.
- Job insecurity rose to its highest level since March 2023.
- Pessimism about major purchases is deterring spending, which could slow growth.
