UK economic growth expected to slow in first few months of 2018

High inflation, weak consumer confidence and Brexit are discouraging consumer spending

Economic growth in the UK is expected to slow in the first few months of 2018 as high inflation, weak consumer confidence and uncertainty surrounding Brexit discourage high street spending and investment.

A series of business and consumer surveys pointed to lower growth, ending a strong run that culminated in a rise in GDP growth to 0.5% in the last quarter of 2017.