Article 50 signalled fall in consumer confidence for Brexiteers, survey suggests

Consumer confidence among those who support Brexit has fallen, according to a survey taken immediately after Article 50 was triggered.

The latest Nielsen Survey of Consumer Confidence and Spending Intentions revealed that British consumer confidence overall remained stable at 102, but the level among leave voters fell from 109 in January to 106 in early April.

Meanwhile, confidence among remain voters increased one point to 97.

A score over 100 indicates degrees of optimism, with a score under 100 indicating pessimism.

The survey also reveals that "strong support" for Brexit among leave voters has steadily declined, from 74% in December to 68% in January, and down to 63% after Article 50 was triggered.

Furthermore, 3% of leave voters now oppose Brexit, but 10% of those who originally supported Remain have now shifted their support to Leave.

Steve Smith, managing director of Nielsen UK and Ireland, said: "Overall, consumer confidence remains stable, but we are seeing a wobble among Leave voters.

"Although immigration concerns have dropped, Leavers are starting to worry more about everyday matters, particularly rising utility bills and food prices."

The proportion of consumers who believe that now is a good time to buy items they want or need dropped 4% to 49% after reaching a 10-year high in the second half of last year.

From a list of 18 main types of goods, consumers overall expect price rises in every single category, the survey found.

Imported groceries are seen as the most likely to have price rises, followed by fuel prices, domestic groceries and transport.

Mr Smith said: "Inflation is creeping in and as it could be as high as 3% by July. Consumers believe this will translate to price rises across the board.

"However, overall consumer confidence remains stable and we know that brands and retailers are working closely together on solutions to minimise any price impact on shoppers."

:: Nielsen surveyed 500 UK consumers online between March 30 and April 3.