The UK consumer confidence has improved this year, with positive signs from shoppers, according to the latest figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

Consumer expectations over the next three months for the state of the economy went up to -32 in January, compared to -38 in December. While consumer sentiment towards their personal financial situation improved to -8 in January from -10 last month.

However, personal spending on retail went down to -6 in January from +6 in the previous results.

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Helen Dickinson, CEO of the BRC said: “The new year brought hints of optimism, with the second consecutive improvement in consumer confidence in the economy and in people’s own finances. This was the highest in five months, though similar to a year earlier.

“The contrasting sharp fall in spending expectations, both retail and overall, was expected as the festive season came to a close.”

Additionally, shoppers’ overall spending reduced to +5 in January compared to +17 last month.

“January’s renewed optimism is encouraging but shows just how important it is for the Government to build momentum and restore confidence to the levels seen in previous years,” Dickinson said.