Inflation is still rising

Dearer motoring costs and higher food prices pushed inflation to an eight and a half year high. In November, the Retail Prices Index rose by 3.9% from 3.7% the previous month .

Inflation under the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), which excludes housing costs and is the government's preferred measure, also rose to 2.7% from 2.4% in October. Rising transport costs were the main factor.