Inflation rises

Inflation as measured by the Retail Prices Index (RPI) was running at 3.1% in May against a 2.9% rise the previous month. Higher travel costs and dearer women’s clothing were the main contributors to the rise.

The government’s preferred measure is the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) and here inflation was up to 2.7% from 2.4% in April.

The Bank of England has said it expects CPI inflation to move above 3% this year.

www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/cpi/consumer-price-indices/may-2013/index.html