The main reason why a small but worrying proportion of families and young people is falling behind is that schools are failing to give them the skills they need to get and hold a job.

The ONS figures showed sales of clothing and footwear were the main cause of the sluggish performance last month, falling 1.2%, while spending on food was 0.7% higher.

Falling demand and soaring supply bodes ill for construction and house prices, the main ways housing affects the broader economy.