Fall for RPI inflation
Inflation under the Retail Prices Index (RPI) — the measure favoured by union negotiators — was down to 1.8% in August from 1.9% the previous month. Cheaper alcohol and mortgage payments were offset by dearer air and bus fares.
For the Consumer Prices Index — the government’s preferred measure — the annual rate of inflation was steady at 0.6%, unchanged from a month ago.