Inflation jumps

In a single month (September-October) the Retail Prices Index (RPI) rose by almost 2.5%, taking the annual inflation rate by the trade union-preferred measure to 14.2%.

By the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), annual inflation is now 11.1% — the highest rate since 1981.

With a housing element, CPIH is at 9.6%.

Energy, food, fuels and mortgage interest payments contributed to these trends.