Record June falls in the prices of clothing and footwear pushed down the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) annual rate of inflation to 3.2% last month from 3.4% in May.

Overall, clothing and footwear prices fell by 2.1% between May and June, the ONS reported. The biggest downward pressure was evident in women’s outerwear during the month, when many retailers held Sales. The ONS said: “Reports suggest Sales were more widespread in June 2010 compared to 2009.”

A 0.1% month-on-month rise in the CPI was “within the normal range” for that period, the ONS said.

Among the biggest upward contributors to the CPI increase were games, toys and hobbies, “mainly due to price rises in computer games and consoles.”

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