Institution: Consumer spending in the UK increased in July. Unusually warm weather drove clothing purchases.

British consumer spending increased in July, driven by unusually warm weather at the beginning of the month which boosted clothing sales. However, as temperatures dropped, demand also cooled, and part of the spending growth reflected rising food prices. The British Retail Consortium said on Tuesday that, in cash terms, consumer spending in July increased by 2.5% year-on-year, but was slower than the 3.1% growth in June. Another set of data from Barclays showed that overall consumer spending increased by 1.4%, compared to a 0.1% decrease in June. BRC Chief Executive Helen Dickinson said, "Food sales performed well at the start of July due to the warm weather and sporting events, but this momentum was not sustained for the rest of the month."