Britain is tightening its belt: consumers are cutting back on food, fashion and home goods.

Consumers are cutting back on the cost of living, from fashion to furniture and even food.

Severe lockdowns mean high street retailers are facing their worst situation since the outbreak forced many to close their doors.

At the same time, sales of online retailers are also declining.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the amount of goods purchased in June fell by 6% compared to last year.

Severe lockdowns mean high street retailers are facing their worst situation since the outbreak forced many to close their doors.

Year-to-date prices are up 4.4 percent, but that’s only due to price increases and inflation, which are set to hit at least 11 percent in the coming months.

The ONS found that half of people are buying less food than before. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The cost of living caused by high inflation… continues to weigh on house spending.” She added, ‘Furniture sales and white goods have been particularly hard hit.’

Celine Fenech, head of consumer insights at Deloitte, said: ‘With inflation rising faster than average incomes, many consumers are now feeling the squeeze on the cost of living.’

As a result, 61 percent said they are cutting back on unnecessary expenses and 46 percent on non-essential car trips.

Heather Bovill of the ONS said: The broad trend is one of decline. Clothing purchases are tied with home furnishings, retailers suggest to consumers [are] Cost reduction due to higher prices.’

His research showed that 89 percent of them are experiencing the cost of living, compared to 62 percent in November last year.

As a result, 61 percent said they are cutting back on unnecessary expenses and 46 percent on non-essential car trips.

Lisa Hooker at PwC said: ‘It is difficult to foresee any easing of these pressures for the rest of the year, with energy prices projected to rise in the autumn and food inflation continuing.’