Spending power falls by £100 Even though we expect to see further falls in inflation, the weakness in the broader economy is likely to mean that consumers aren't going to feel any better off in the near future. Some 86pc of consumers noticed an increase in the cost of everyday spending compared to a year ago, up from 73pc in March. Two-thirds think they paying more for petrol and 60pc believe groceries are dearer. Spending on essential items was up 4.6pc on a year ago but April's reading was in-line with that of the previous two months, meaning the sharp acceleration seen at the start of the year appears to have ended. Jatin Patel, Lloyds TSB director of current accounts, said: "There was little respite for consumers in April and it is clear that a growing number are feeling concerned about the state of the UK's economic situation. This will not have been aided by news suggesting that the UK has entered into a double dip recession, while continued weak income growth and rising prices act as a very tangible drag on sentiment. While spending power is not being eroded at quite the same pace as the beginning of last year, events in the global economy will likely have a significant bearing on consumer spending power in the months ahead.