British inflation hits 10.1% as cost of living continues to soar

London, Aug 17

In Britain, the cost of living soared again in July, putting further strain on under-pressure families across the UK. Consumer Prices Index inflation (CPI) reached 10.1 per cent last month, beating expectations, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed.

The increase was largely down to food prices and staples including toilet rolls and toothbrushes, the ONS said.

The measure had been expected to reach 9.8 per cent, according to an average of analysts' estimates calculated by Pantheon Macroeconomics, reports dpa news agency.

It is the biggest jump in the cost of living since February 1982, when CPI reached 10.4 per cent, according to ONS estimates.

It is also a massive jump from the 9.4 per cent inflation in June.

ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: "A wide range of price rises drove inflation up again this month. Food prices rose notably, particularly bakery products, dairy, meat and vegetables, which was also reflected in higher takeaway prices.

"Price rises in other staple items, such as pet food, toilet rolls, toothbrushes and deodorants also pushed up inflation in July.

"Driven by higher demand, the price for package holidays rose, after falling at the same time last year, while air fares also increased.

"The cost of both raw materials and goods leaving factories continued to rise, driven by the price of metals and food respectively."

Inflation is expected to fall back a little in August; however, according to estimates it could soar to 13.3 per cent in October when the energy price cap rises again.

The Bank of England thinks this could push the UK into a recession.

According to the most recent estimates by experts the price cap will reach close to 3,640 pounds in October, up from 1,971 pounds at the moment.

Then energy prices are expected to rise even further, topping well above 5,000 next year pounds, although these forecasts for further ahead are more unsure.

Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said: "I understand that times are tough, and people are worried about increases in prices that countries around the world are facing.

"Although there are no easy solutions, we are helping where we can through a37 billion support package, with further payments for those on the lowest incomes, pensioners and the disabled, and 400 off energy bills for everyone in the coming months.

"Getting inflation under control is my top priority, and we are taking action through strong, independent monetary policy, responsible tax and spending decisions, and reforms to boost productivity and growth."

Meanwhile, the official data showed that Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation reached 12.3 per cent in July.

In the past this measure has been used to cap the following year's price increases on some train tickets in England, Scotland and Wales.

With inflation running away, the UK government will keep the 2023 rises below RPI.

However, it did not reveal how it plans to calculate the rises.

The Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers' housing costs (CPIH) rose by 8.8 per cent in July, up from 8.2 per cent.

--IANS