UK inflation rises again to hit highest level since March

Inflation has increased for a second month in a row to 2.6% in November, up from 2.3% in October, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has said.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented on Wednesday’s figures saying they are a reminder that “for too long the economy has not worked for working people.”

“I know families are still struggling with the cost of living and today’s figures are a reminder that for too long the economy has not worked for working people,” she said.

ONS attributed the rise in inflation to last month’s increase in petrol prices.

Grant Fitzner, the ONS’s chief economist, explained: “Inflation rose again this month as prices of motor fuel and clothing increased this year but fell a year ago.

“This was partially offset by air fares, which traditionally dip at this time of year, but saw their largest drop in November since records began at the start of the century.”

Reeves says that since Labour has come into power “real wages have grown at their fastest in three years”.

“That’s an extra £20-a-week after inflation,” she explained, “But I know there is more to do.”

“I want working people to be better off which is what our Plan for Change will deliver.”

The Conservative Shadow chancellor Mel Stride attacked the Reeves for a “series of irresponsible and inflationary decisions”.

She said: “The Chancellor has made a series of irresponsible and inflationary decisions which, as the independent Office for Budget Responsibility said, will leave inflation higher than it was forecasted in March.

“These figures mean higher costs in the shops, less money in working people’s pockets and risks keeping mortgage rates higher for longer.

“Working people cannot afford Labour.”