Office for National Statistics

Highest figure since March 2024

Down from 2.6% in November

Slim chances of rate cut before year-end

Budget on 30 October

Services inflation in decline while gas and energy price impact seen

Challenges PM's claims 'the economy has turned a corner'

‘By August, the conditions will be met to start cutting’

Core inflation fell from 4.5% in February to 4.2%

'The Bank of England now certainly faces a less daunting task'

‘Small glimmer of hope’ that recession could be avoided