THE UK’s rate of inflation remained the same in May compared to April in a blow for households.
The Consumer Price Index level of inflation stayed at 8.7% last month, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
GettyInflation remained the same in the month of May, the latest figures reveal[/caption]
Inflation is a measure of how the price of goods and services has changed over the past year.
The ONS said rising prices for air travel, recreational and cultural goods and services and second-hand cars caused inflation to remain high.
Meanwhile, the falling price of motor fuel led to inflation slowing, while food and non-alcoholic drinks rose in May but less than in May 2022.
However, core CPI inflation, which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco, stood at 7.1% in May, up from 6.8% in April.
That puts it at the highest rate it’s been since March 1992, the ONS said.
The core level of inflation, which is higher than expected, is likely to spook markets and is closely followed by the Bank of England.
Commenting on today’s figures, ONS’ chief economist Grant Fitzner, said: “After last month’s fall, annual inflation was little changed in May and remains at a historically high level.
“The cost of airfares rose by more than a year ago and is at a higher level than usual for May.
“Rising prices for second hand cars, live music events and computer games also contributed to inflation remaining high.
“These were offset by a fall in the cost of petrol.
“Food inflation remains high, but the rate has eased slightly this month with costs rising more slowly than this time last year.”
Inflation has eased slightly in recent months since the eye-watering 11.1% seen in October, which was driven by soaring gas and electricity prices.
It slowed to 10.1% in March, then again further to 8.7% in April.
But despite the figures slowing, it still means the prices of everyday essentials are rising more than the BoE would like, which has a 2% target for inflation.
What it means for your money
High inflation means the cost of everyday essentials, like food and energy are rising, meaning your money doesn’t go as far.
The BoE, the UK’s central bank, can hike what’s known as its base rate to try and bring it down.
While it means people with savings see a boost, it also means interest rates on mortgages rise as well, piling pressure on homeowners.
Today’s figures make it likely the Bank of England will raise its base rate tomorrow from 4.5%.
Markets are expecting the figure to rise by 0.25% points to 4.75%.
Marcus Brookes, chief investment officer at Quilter, said: “With CPI unchanged and core inflation rising, this confirms that the Bank of England has no choice but to raise interest rates tomorrow.
“Having jumped down from double digits last month, we are once left to wait for inflation to return to its downwards trajectory to normal levels.”
Meanwhile, Suren Thiru, from the Institute for Chartered Accountants, said today’s figures suggest the fight against soaring inflation is “far from over” but that it should slow in the coming months.
He added: “The UK’s inflation trajectory over the summer is largely locked in, with lower gas and electricity bills from July set to drive notable falls in the headline rate.
“While core inflation is proving troublesome, the painful squeeze on consumer spending from soaring mortgage costs and higher taxes should soon put it on a downward path.”
The Bank of England has been criticised for being wrong with its inflation projections previously.
It had said inflation would drop to 1% by 2024 — but now it is set to hit 3.4%.
Last month, the central bank hiked interest rates to 4.5% – their highest level in 15 years.
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