UK inflation at record high

UK inflation matched its record high last month, official figures revealed today, hitting the British government with a hefty bill for increased state benefits and highlighting the tough conditions faced by households.

The rate of consumer prices index (CPI) inflation in September, which is used to determine next April’s rise in state benefits, rose from 4.5% to 5.2%, which equals the record high reached in September 2008, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.