Britons already concerned about budgets

Retail sales showed a 3.7% decline in December – the worst reading since January 2021 –as the spread of Omicron kept shoppers at home.

THE United Kingdom’s fast-approaching cost-of-living crisis is already making Britons worry about their budgets, setting up a rocky 2022 for households and businesses still reeling from the impact of the pandemic.

Many people are particularly worried by both their personal finances and the general economic situation, making them reluctant to splash out on big purchases, according to a closely watched survey of consumer confidence.