Fresh borrowing by British consumers nearly doubled in April to reach the highest level since records began eight years ago, the Bank of England said today.
Net borrowing on credit cards and bank overdrafts soared by £1.685 billion sterling in April compared with a rise of £871 million the month before.
April's was the biggest month rise in net consumer lending since the current data series began in April 1993.
Bank of England statisticians said the figures had not been distorted by any unusual factors and reflected a robust increase in borrowing by consumers across the board.
The figures suggested consumer confidence in Britain remains buoyant in spite of recent signs the economy in general is slowing as a result of a more adverse global economic picture.
But borrowing for home loans remained broadly flat with net borrowing secured on dwellings slowing slightly to £3.775 billion in April from £3.812 billion the month before.