UK consumers remain cautious despite Budget relief, Mintel says

• The UK’s 2026 Budget offers incremental household relief, leaving brands facing cautious consumers rather than a broad spending recovery.
• Inflation remains a constraint: 59% of UK consumers were very concerned about rising prices in August 2026.
• A £100 energy payment will reach 20 million households in council tax bands A-D, easing pressure on essential spending.
• Minimum wages will rise 3.9%, but frozen income tax thresholds will limit gains in spending power.
• Brands that demonstrate tangible consumer outcomes will be better positioned to attract spending without relying solely on discounts.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. Mintel Group Ltd. published the original content used to generate this news brief on October 29, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.