Inflation falls to 2.6% ahead of expected rise

Inflation falls to 2.6% ahead of expected rise UK inflation dropped to 2.6 per cent in March ahead of an expected rise in April as households begin to pay higher council tax and utility bills. Last month’s reading came in belowCity forecasts of a fall to 2.7 per cent. It comes after the consumer prices index fell in February to 2.8 per cent, down from 3 per cent in January. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said falling fuel prices and slowing increases in the cost of a night out drove inflation lower, although this was offset by price rises for clothing and footwear. The price of food was also a factor in dragging down prices growth after it was flat in March compared with rising prices in the same month last year. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said, “Inflation falling for two months in a row, wages growing faster than prices and positive growth figures are encouraging signs that our plan for change is working, but there is more to be done.