Retail sales flat in Britain

LONDON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- Consumer spending in Britain rose marginally on a 12-month basis in November, the Office for National Statistics said Thursday.

Consumer spending rose 0.9 percent over November 2011, continuing an upward trend in British retail that began in August 2011.

While the trend is persistent, it is not exactly red hot, either, the ONS said.

"Overall, between 2007 and 2012 (retail) has been relatively flat, the monthly report said.

The annual rate continued to show growth, but retail receipts dropped 0.1 percent from October, "following decreases in both the quantity bought and the amount spent between September and October," ONS said.