Increased meals costs pushed UK inflation again to a 40-year excessive of 10.1 per cent in September, exceeding expectations of a smaller rise.

The Workplace for Nationwide Statistics mentioned the patron value index rose 0.5 per cent within the month in contrast with August, a bigger improve over the identical month than in 2021 when the index rose 0.3 per cent.

Darren Morgan, ONS director of financial statistics, mentioned: “After final month’s small fall, headline inflation returned to its excessive seen earlier in the summertime. The rise was pushed by additional will increase throughout meals, which noticed its largest annual rise in over 40 years, whereas resort costs additionally elevated after falling this time final yr”.

There had been an extra small drop in petrol costs, offsetting the rise in different costs and downward contributions from airfares and second-hand automotive costs.

That return to double-digit inflation might be troublesome for ministers and the Financial institution of England. It exhibits that value rises haven’t but peaked, regardless of the vitality value assure limiting fuel and electrical energy payments this winter.

The September determine can also be the quantity usually used for the uprating of advantages, together with the state pension. Jeremy Hunt, the brand new chancellor, on Tuesday mentioned he couldn’t assure the federal government would keep on with its “triple lock” dedication on pensions, to extend them by earnings, costs or 2.5 per cent, whichever is highest.

Responding to the figures on Wednesday morning, the chancellor gave no assure he would uprate pensions or advantages by the ten.1 per cent inflation determine. “This authorities will prioritise assist for probably the most weak whereas delivering wider financial stability and driving long-term progress that may assist everybody,” Hunt mentioned in a press release.