The UK’s inflation rate rose to its highest level since September 2013 last month, driven by higher air fares and increasing clothing prices.
Inflation now stands at 2.7% – up from 2.3% in March – and above the Bank of England’s 2% target, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
ONS said inflation was largely driven by higher air fares caused by the later falling of Easter. The cost of air travel increased 18.6% from the month before, with Easter falling in April this year compared with March last year.
The price of clothing, vehicle excise duty and electricity also drove up inflation.
Clothing prices jumped to the highest level for six years, increasing 1.1% between March and April.
Electricity and food prices also went up, but these were partially offset by a fall in the price of petrol, diesel and gas.
Last week, the Bank of England warned that inflation as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) would peak at just below 3% this year.
It also warned that 2017 would be “a more challenging time for British households” with inflation rising and real wages falling, leading to a consumer spending squeeze.
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