Nationwide explores consumer confidence following referendum

A new poll by Ipsos for Nationwide reveals that despite some economic concerns following the referendum, the majority (58%) of the public feel that their personal financial situation will be unchanged over the next six months.

The poll, conducted online among 2251 British adults aged 16-75, also found that two thirds (67%) are concerned about the costs of goods and services increasing in the next six months – making this an issue that the public would like the government to prioritise in exit negotiations.

Other key findings include:

• The NHS is the considered the most important issue facing the UK – selected as important by 61%.  Immigration control (50%) is seen as the second most important issue, followed by terrorism (37%) and Britain’s future relationship with the EU (36%);
• Pessimism about Brexit’s economic impact diminishes over time. In considering the impact of the referendum on the British economy, 42% feel that the economy will be worse over the next 12 months compared to 20% who think it will be better. However, over the next 10 years only 26% think it will be worse, compared with 38% who think it will be better. 

Nationwide Building Society commissioned the research as part of its work around the Brexit Consumer Support Panel. The panel brings together leading consumer industry organisations to address the challenges facing consumers as the UK’s relationship with the EU evolves.

The panel, chaired by Nationwide Chief Executive Joe Garner, will provide insights to Government into consumer attitudes and behaviors in relation to Brexit and will help to promote positive outcomes for consumers as the renegotiation process is progressed.

• Download the tables
• Download the topline

Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 2,251 online adults aged 16-75 across the UK. Interviews were conducted online, from 9th-13th September 2016. Data are weighted to match the profile of the population.