UK inflation hits 40-year high of 9% as cost of food and energy soars

The escalating cost of food is adding to the pressure on UK households. Photograph: Aaron Chown/PA

UK inflation soared to 9% in April – its highest level for more than 40 years – as the rising cost of gas and electricity pushed household energy bills to record levels.

The escalating cost of food and transport also contributed to the rising cost of living, deepening the crisis affecting millions of low- and middle-income families.