There was a small dip in consumer confidence in July, the Nationwide has reported.

According to its Consumer Confidence Index for July 2011, the fall in confidence reflected increased uncertainty around the outlook for the UK economy. At 49 points, the main confidence index remains well below its long-run average reading of 79.

Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist, said: “With the economic recovery still facing strong headwinds it is unlikely that we will see any considerable improvement in confidence in the remainder of 2011. Indeed