Confidence on High St surges

SHoppERS are splashing out once again amid rising confidence among British households, figures show.

The CBI said retail sales rose at the fastest pace in two years this month. Meanwhile, a separate survey by YouGov published today shows consumer confidence is now at its highest level in six months.

Experts said the flurry of positive reports suggested the economy picked up pace over the summer.

In a survey of 117 companies, the CBI found 56pc of retailers enjoyed higher sales volumes this month than in September last year, while just 15pc said they were lower.

The gap was the widest since September 2015.

Anna Leach, head of economic intelligence at the CBI, said: ‘It’s encouraging to see some vigour returning to the retail sector.’