Mortgage demand surges as optimism about UK economy reaches 13-year high

Gfk poll finds consumer confidence helped by low inflation and buoyant job market, while Bank of England reports highest mortgage approvals in six months

Britons enter the five-week election campaign more upbeat about the economy than at any time in almost 13 years, according to the latest snapshot of confidence from the polling organisation Gfk. Against a backdrop of falling inflation and a boost to spending power from plunging energy prices, Gfk said all five of its measures of consumer confidence had picked up in the past month.

The people polled said they were more positive about their own personal finances and the state of the economy than they were in February, with more prepared to make a major purchase.