UK household spending drops for first time in 10 years.

Figures released from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed the impact the recession had on households across the UK. Data from the ONS annual Family Spending Report showed the average household spent £455 a week in 2009, lower than the £471 seen in 2008.

The report showed just how affected consumer confidence was in 2009 following the recession, as spending hit a 21-month low.

Interestingly, the figures revealed high earners were hit particularly hard during the economic crisis, with families in the top tenth income bracket reducing spending by nearly 12 per cent.

ONS statistician and report editor, Giles Horsfield said: “Higher expenditure on some housing related costs such as rent, electricity and gas [was] offset by lower spending on mortgages.”

Further figures from ONS revealed consumer spending in 2010 is on the rise with data leading to an increase in 7%, despite the looming VAT increase and the announcement of comprehensive public spending cuts.