CONSUMER confidence in Yorkshire is lagging behind the rest of the UK, according to new findings published this week.

The latest Lloyds Bank Spending Power Report says that while consumer confidence reached its second highest score since the index started last month, Yorkshire was less optimistic.

Lloyds says overall confidence was boosted by a six per cent fall in petrol prices in the past year along with lower energy consumption due to the milder weather. Consumer sentiment towards the country’s financial situation declined last month, with Yorkshire the least positive region after a 13 per cent drop in confidence levels. The study revealed that Yorkshire is the most negative region about employment prospects.