UK inflation has risen to its highest level since March, driven by an increase in petrol prices last month, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation rose to 2.6% in November, from 2.3% the previous month.
This is the highest rate since March and the second rise in two months.
Grant Fitzner, the ONS’s chief economist, said: “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.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she was aware that people across the UK are still struggling with rising costs.
She said: "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.
“I am fighting to put more money in the pockets of working people. That’s why at the Budget we protected their payslips with no rise in their national insurance, income tax or VAT, boosted the national living wage by £1400 and froze fuel duty.
"Since we arrived real wages have grown at their fastest in three years. That’s an extra £20 a week after inflation. 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.”
We previously told how a leading economist said a "doom loop" sparked by the Labour Government’s ongoing failure to deliver on its headline pledge of growth is hitting the UK economy and means they are set to lose the next election.
