Amid news of looming inflation, higher costs of living and increasing numbers of public sector job cuts, households are grabbing at any straws to keep a good attitude. Combine those things with falling property values, Brits find few things to feel good about.

Markit and YouGov have conducted an extensive survey, questioning 2000 households of the UK. The overwhelming tone of the results showed people were, without a doubt, worried about the future - especially in regard to their jobs and the cost of living.

Although the economy is growing, the Household Finance Index suggests individuals are feeling few of the benefits.

Some results of the survey with regard to their specific questions go like so:

Around 30 per cent of the respondents said their financial state had worsened, compared with a little over 5 per cent, who said they had gotten better.

Almost 70 per cent reported spending more on goods and services during the month of August, compared to July. This was by far the highest level since the survey’s inception a year and a half ago.

Completing the survey was the housing market results, which showed almost 25 per cent thought their property value decreased in August, compared with 9 per cent which thought it increased.

Tim Moore, economist at Markit, commented on the abysmal outlook of the economy, saying: "Stronger growth in the UK economy has done little to put a floor under the downturn in household finances."

BBC business correspondent Joe Lynam said the Household Finance Index is designed to predict changes in consumer behavior, and its latest results seem to contradict the data which demonstrates the UK economy showed strong growth during the second quarter.