Britain’s high streets received a boost last month after warmer weather and end-of-season led to higher sales. 

Retail sales were up 1pc in August, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics, compared to a 0.7pc rise in July.

For the three months to August, sales were up 1.2pc versus the three-month period to May. 

It came despite growing concerns over consumer spending. Separate data this morning suggested families were feeling more anxious about their finances and the economy.

Figures from GfK revealed that consumer confidence plunged by seven points to -20 in September. Concerns have been mounting that Rachel Reeves and Sir Keir Starmer are talking Britain into a downturn.

Phil Monkhouse, UK Country Manager at global financial services firm Ebury, said: “Retailers have enjoyed another bumper month in retail sales, with August seeing a 1.0pc uptick amid warmer weather and end-of-season sales.

 “Consumers seem to be finding their footing, bolstered by the Bank of England’s first rate cut since 2020, which has eased mortgage pressures and sparked renewed confidence in the UK’s economic outlook.

“With summer now over, retailers will now need to focus on sustaining growth ahead of the autumnal weather threatening future footfall.

“Alongside utilising the back-to-school season, agile strategies to meet consumer demand and adopting hedging strategies to protect against international disruptions will help businesses navigate any challenges in the months ahead.”

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