Brits rein in on takeaways and eating out as household bills bite, says Barclays

Non-essential spending has been impacted by a rise in household bills, such as council tax and broadband, according to latest figures from Barclays.

Consumer card spending grew just 1% year-on-year in May – the smallest rise since February 2021, and much lower than the current inflation rate.

Takeaway and fast-food spending were hit hard in May. Barclays recorded the first decline in takeaway and fast food spend (-0.2%) since May 2022, with 44% of customers reducing their discretionary spend, and 54% of those saying takeaways are their number one cutback.

According to the monthly Barclays Consumer Spend research, 53% of these customers are also cutting back on eating out at restaurants, with an even greater decline in May (-15.7%) than in April (-13.1%).

But UK consumers are keen to start spending again this summer. Barclays reported that 28% of consumers plan to spend more when the weather improve – which rises to 39% of 18-24 year olds – with 24% saying they intend to enjoy the summer outside at pubs and restaurants.