From Budget to Basket: How Consumer Intent Just Shifted and What It Means for 2026

Our latest post-Budget edition of the UK Consumer Navigator reveals how 1,000 UK consumers are recalibrating confidence, value and spend for the year ahead. The Budget accelerates a decisive shift into smart-spend mode: people are trimming where it makes sense so they can keep spending where it matters. Younger households are adapting fastest, older groups are taking a more defensive stance, and value-seeking behaviours are now mainstream. This rapid readout gives a clear, data-led view of the opportunities and risks that will shape 2026 demand for your brand.