Consumer confidence tumbles for a third month running as pension fears hit Gen X and Boomers ahead of Budget

Expectations for the economy plunged from minus 34 to minus 40 in October, according to the BRC-Opinium survey. Sentiment about personal finances sank to minus 18, the second-lowest level on record. Inflation jumped from 3.1 to 3.5 per cent in the year to September, worse than economists predicted. Ministers have refused to confirm Labour's pension triple lock will appear in the 2029 manifesto.

BRC boss Helen Dickinson warned of a 'tsunami of costs' hammering retailers.

Shops now pay 20% more in taxes than two years ago, leaving 'no more room for manoeuvre'.

More than a third of shoppers expect their grocery bills to climb over the next three months.