The 12 month rate of CPI inflation eased in March to 2.6% from 2.8% in February in an unexpected second consecutive monthly fall.

CPI inflation dipped to 2.8% in February in a boost for the Chancellor who will today present her Spring Statement in the commons.

The 12 month CPI rate of inflation - the most widely used inflation measure - spiked up in January to 3% from 2.5% in December.

CPI inflation fell unexpectedly in December to 2.5% from 2.6% in November after two months of rises.

CPI inflation has spiked upwards for the second month in a row, to 2.6% in November, ONS reported today.

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted 6-3 to keep the base rate at 4.75% in a widely expected move.

Lower fuel and transport costs helped cut CPI inflation in the 12 months to September to 1.7% from 2.2% in August.

CPI inflation unexpectedly spiked upwards last month to 2.3% from a low of 1.7% the previous month, ONS reported today.

CPI inflation remained at 2.2% in August, unchanged from the previous month.

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted 8-1 to hold the base rate at 5% in a widely expected decision.