UK inflation rises to 10.1% on back of soaring food prices

Food and drink price inflation has hit its highest level since April 1980, with prices rising by 14.6% over the past year, up from 13.1% in August. Photograph: Matthew Horwood/Getty Images

Inflation in the UK has risen above 10% for the second time this year as households come under pressure from the sharpest annual rise in food prices for more than 40 years amid the cost of living crisis.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the consumer prices index rose to 10.1% in September, returning to double digits after a slight dip to 9.9% in August. The figure was last higher in 1982. City economists had forecast a slightly smaller rise to 10%.