'Optimistic' households planning to take staycations

More Britons are planning to take a "staycation" before the year is out in a strengthening of the trend that took hold during the economic downturn, according to a report.

Households are "optimistic" about their holiday plans despite uncertainty around the EU referendum, with 71% expecting to take at least one trip between now and the end of the year, the Greene King Leisure Spend Tracker found.

Around 85% expect to take at least one domestic holiday before the end of the year - a 3% increase on last year,

However, the average British household spent 3% less on out-of-home leisure in May than the same time last year, at a total of £207 - although this is likely to be because the school half-term holiday fell in June.

The amount households spent on drinking out increased once more in May, by 5% on April and 2% year-on-year.

The impact of the Easter school holidays in April saw households with children reduce spending in May by £30, or 12%, month-on-month - while households without youngsters actually increased spending by £13 (7%).

Greene King group marketing director Rob Rees said: "On the eve of a momentous decision for the British public, this month's spend tracker suggests that many households are looking forward to enjoying some well-earned holidays post referendum."