UK consumer confidence has fallen this month, with households’ assessment of the general economic situation having deteriorated, a key survey reveals.

Pollster GfK’s closely-watched consumer confidence index has fallen by one point to -10 in October.

The sub-index reflecting consumers’ views of the UK’s general economic situation during the last 12 months has dropped by one point to -29. This is 10 points lower than in October last year.

And the reading for expectations of the general economic situation over the next 12 months has fallen by two points this month to -26. This is nine points lower than in October 2016.

Joe Staton, GfK’s head of market dynamics, said: “It’s no surprise the overall index score continues to bump along in negative territory. As concerns about the wider economic prospects for the UK economy dampen our outlook, consumers are showing no real get-up-and-go.”

The sub-index for consumers’ views on the climate for major purchases has risen two points this month to +3, but is 11 points lower than in October 2016.

Noting surging credit card use, Mr Staton said: “Our enthusiasm for spending is more worrying than reassuring.”