UK inflation doubled to 0.6% in December despite food prices falling

UK inflation doubled to 0.6% in December but the price of food fell.

This is up from the 0.3% recorded in November, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Analysts say clothing and increased transport costs during the Christmas period were the main reason behind the rise.

This is despite fewer people travelling over the month due to coronavirus restrictions.

But the price of food and drink fell in the same period.

Petrol prices rose 1.5p a litre month to month, and clothing and footwear prices increased by 0.1%.

Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician at the Office for National Statistics (ONS), said: “Clothing prices put upward pressure on inflation in December, despite some evidence of continued discounting.

“Transport costs, including air, sea and coach fares, as well as petrol prices, rose as some travel restrictions eased during parts of the month.

“These were partially offset by falling food prices, most notably for vegetables and meat.”

More to follow…

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