Net lending to individuals in the United Kingdom eased in December 2025, with the indicator coming in at £6.1 billion, down from £6.6 billion in November 2025. The latest figures, updated on 30 January 2026, suggest a modest cooling in household borrowing at the end of the year.
The November reading had marked a recent peak, and December’s pullback may reflect softer demand for credit, tighter lending standards, or increased caution among consumers heading into 2026. While the decline is not dramatic, it indicates a slight loss of momentum in credit growth to individuals after a strong November.
Analysts and market participants will be watching subsequent releases to determine whether December’s move is a one-off adjustment or the start of a more sustained moderation in UK consumer borrowing. Net lending to individuals is closely monitored as a gauge of consumer confidence and spending potential, both key components of the broader economic outlook.
