Consumer sentiment among UK households has fallen to its lowest level since just after the Brexit vote. The rising cost of living and the inconclusive general election have deterred Britons from spending on big-ticket items.

British consumers are downbeat about the economy’s prospects next year, when higher inflation is likely to erode their spending power, a major survey showed, despite signs that growth has remained robust since June’s Brexit vote.

Uncertainties caused by Britain’s vote to leave the EU will cause eurozone economic growth to decelerate to 1.4% in 2017 from 1.6% this year, and downside risks are piling up, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said yesterday.