Barclays data confirms January travel sales ‘surge’

Travel purchases were one contributor named by Barclays for a 9.7% increase in total card spend year-on-year in January.

However, the cold snap in January led to spending on utilities increasing by 44.7% – the highest rate of growth since September 2022 – while the percentage who say they are concerned about rising household bills is unchanged at 92%.

”This comes as two-thirds of consumers say they are finding ways to save energy at home, with radiators, lights and ovens topping the list of appliances that Brits are using less often in order to save money," said Barclays.

Barclays director Esme Harwood added: “January saw a number of categories bounce back from last year’s Plan B restrictions thanks to Brits booking holidays, taking trips to the cinema, and snapping up bargains in the sales.

“However, while it’s encouraging that confidence in household finances saw a slight boost, it is clear that Brits will still need to find ways to manage their budgets over the coming months amid rising grocery price inflation and mounting utility bills.”