What is the 'sense of unease' among UK households before the Budget?

Households in the UK are gripped by a 'sense of unease' ahead of the upcoming Budget, as uncertainty over potential tax changes and the economic outlook are leading to caution about spending.

How have UK business leaders responded to the upcoming Budget?

A survey from Barclays reveals that 55% of business leaders have put their plans on hold amid speculation about what Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce in the Budget next week.

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Households Gripped by 'Sense of Unease' Before Key Budget

Q: How are UK families adapting to the new economic reality?

According to data from insurer LV=, 25% of consumers say they will spend less on Christmas this year as they feel the squeeze of soaring prices and living costs.

18 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Consumer confidence drops to 4-month low
Families planning to spend less on Christmas
55% of business leaders put plans on hold

Households Gripped by 'Sense of Unease' Before Key Budget

As of November 18th, 2025, households in the UK are gripped by a 'sense of unease' ahead of the upcoming Budget, sending consumer confidence to a 4-month low. According to a monthly poll from S&P Global, uncertainty over potential tax changes and the economic outlook are leading to caution about spending.

Separate data from insurer LV= shows that 25% of consumers say they will spend less on Christmas this year as they feel the squeeze of soaring prices and living costs. This indicates that families are adapting to the new economic reality.

Furthermore, a survey from Barclays reveals that business leaders have also turned cautious ahead of the Budget, with 55% saying their plans are on hold amid speculation about what Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce next week. This suggests a broader sense of uncertainty permeating across households and the business community.