UK inflation soars to 9%, the highest level in more than 40 years

UK inflation soars to 9%, the highest level in more than 40 years

UK inflation soared to 9% in April – its highest level for more than 40 years – as the rising cost of gas and electricity pushed household energy bills to record levels.

The escalating cost of food and transport also contributed to the rising cost of living, deepening the crisis affecting millions of low and middle-income families.

The latest data from the consumer prices index shows a marked increase from March, when the rate was 7%, and February, when it was 6.2%. It will fuel demands for the chancellor to step up help for the most vulnerable with a new package of support.