UK consumer confidence improved slightly in April, according to the latest figures.

With falling inflation helping to boost consumer optimism, the latest GfK Consumer Confidence Index was up two points to -19 - an improvement on the -21 points recorded in both February and March.

The survey of just over 2,000 people showed four of the confidence measures had improved, with one staying the same as the previous month.

GfK said that, while the overall index score remains negative, all of the underlying measures are showing a marked improvement since last April, as reported by Retail Gazette.

But accounting and auditing firm, KPMG, said its own recent survey of 3,000 consumers showed only 3% were able to increase their discretionary spending in the first quarter of 2024, with half having to cut spending to cover household costs.