LONDON, Nov 22 Reuters British consumers have turned less pessimistic following the government39;s first budget and the U.S. presidential election and they are showing more appetite for spending in the runup to Christmas, according to a survey published on Friday.

The GfK Consumer Confidence Index, the longestrunning measure of British consumer sentiment, rose to 18 in November, its highest since August and up from 21 in October which was its lowest since March.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected a deterioration in the confidence indicator to 22.

Neil Bellamy, GfK39;s consumer insights director, said consumers seemed to have moved past their nervousness in the runup to the Oct. 30 budget and the Nov. 4 U.S. elections.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves announced a big increase in taxes on Oct. 30 but the burden fell mostly on businesses rather than individuals.

Bellamy said it was too soon to say a corner had been turned.

As recent data shows, inflation has yet to be tamed, people are still feeling acute costofliving pressures, and it will take time for the UK39;s new government to deliver on its promise of 39;change39;, he said.

All five of the five components of the GfK39;s survey rose this month, led by a gauge of shoppers39; willingness to make expensive purchases which rose five point to 16.

The survey was conducted between Oct. 30 and Nov. 15 and was based on the responses of 2,001 people.

Writing by William Schomberg, editing by Andy Bruce

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