Responding to the latest CPI inflation
figures, which show headline inflation falling to 3.6% and food
inflation rising to 4.9%, Dr Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at
the British Retail Consortium, said:
“Food inflation edged back closer to 5%, after some respite in
September, in what will be unwelcome news for consumers just a
week before the Budget. Despite this rise, headline inflation
fell for the first time in seven months in October, helped by the
introduction of a new energy price cap. Meanwhile, an early start
to Black Friday promotions helped to keep clothing and footwear
inflation low. There will also be some relief that, while the
cost of the weekly shop remains high, some products including
olive oil did fall in price on the month.
“Having seen the inflationary impact last year's Budget, it is
essential that the Chancellor does not come knocking at the door
of retail once again. With prices still high and consumers
feeling the pinch, the Budget is a crucial opportunity to
alleviate some of the price pressures bearing down on the
industry. Fulfilling the manifesto pledge to reduce the business
rates burden on the high street will allow retailers to invest
more to keep prices in check, benefiting households across the
country.”
-ENDS-
Notes:
-
ONS Consumer Price Index figures
|
Year on Year changes
|
Sep-25
|
Oct-25
|
|
CPI (overall index)
|
3.8%
|
3.6%
|
|
01 Food and non-alcoholic beverages
|
4.5%
|
4.9%
|
|
02 Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
|
5.8%
|
5.9%
|
|
03 Clothing and footwear
|
0.5%
|
0.3%
|
|
04 Housing, water, electricity, gas and
other fuels
|
7.3%
|
5.2%
|
|
05 Furniture, household equipment and
maintenance
|
0.4%
|
0.3%
|
|
06 Health
|
3.5%
|
2.7%
|
|
07 Transport
|
3.8%
|
3.8%
|
|
08 Communication
|
4.7%
|
4.3%
|
|
09 Recreation and culture
|
2.7%
|
2.9%
|
|
10 Education
|
7.2%
|
7.6%
|
|
11 Restaurants and hotels
|
3.9%
|
3.8%
|
|
12 Miscellaneous goods and services
|
2.0%
|
2.3%
|
