Closing summary
Our top story: UK inflation was unchanged last month at 3.8%, confounding expectations of a rise, in welcome news for the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, as she plans for her crucial budget next month.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said that inflation measured on the consumer prices index remained at the same level in September as in August and July.
City expectations had pointed to a 4% reading but the ONS said upward pressure from transport prices was offset by cheaper food and a slowdown in inflation for “recreation and culture”, including live music tickets.
It was the 12th month in a row CPI remained above the government’s 2% target, however.
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Thank you for reading. We’ll be back tomorrow. – JK
Updated
Heathrow's third runway plans to be fast-tracked
Heathrow’s third runway plans will be fast-tracked so Britain can “experience the benefits sooner”, the government said, as ministers launched a policy review required for the airport’s expansion.
The transport secretary Heidi Alexander said work had started to review the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which sets out the framework for expansion, allowing a final decision by the end of this Parliament to “realise the government’s ambition” of a runway by 2035.
She said that new environmental and climate obligations meant an updated ANPS was necessary to allow a decision, but pledged it would be published for consultation by summer 2026, three years quicker than the ANPS arrived when the previous government backed Heathrow.
The updated policy statement will include Labour’s four key tests for proposed airport expansion – on climate, noise, air quality, and economic growth – and be consistent with net zero commitments, the government said.
Alexander said that Heathrow, as well as the Arora Group, which submitted an alternative proposal, had been asked to provide additional details, with a view to a single scheme being taken forward by November.
