Consumer credit growth in the United Kingdom slowed markedly in December 2025, according to the latest figures from the Bank of England. The data, updated on 30 January 2026, shows that consumer credit rose by £1.524 billion in December, down from £2.143 billion in November 2025.
The sharp month-on-month decline suggests a pullback in household borrowing at the end of the year, potentially reflecting more cautious consumer sentiment during the key holiday period. While November’s figure pointed to robust credit demand, December’s weaker reading may indicate that higher costs, economic uncertainty, or tighter financial conditions are starting to weigh more heavily on UK households.
The moderation in consumer credit is likely to be closely monitored by markets and policymakers, as it can offer an early signal of shifts in domestic demand and household resilience going into 2026.
