Responding to the latest CPI
inflation figures, which show headline
inflation falling to 2.6% and food inflation
falling to 3.0%, Kris Hamer, Director of Insight of the British
Retail Consortium, said:
“Headline inflation fell marginally in March though still remains
above the Bank of England's 2% target. Stable energy prices and
falling petrol prices were the main drivers of the fall, while
sustained promotional activity by retailers meant inflation in
the clothing and footwear category was minimal. Having jumped
significantly in recent months, consumers will welcome news that
food inflation decreased, despite some extreme weather, poor
harvests and high commodity prices. This was driven by falls in
price on the month for certain sweeter items such as sugar, jam
and honey.”
“The slight easing in inflation in March will prove to be largely
insignificant once the figures for April are released next month.
Not only will many feel the pinch of rising household bills, but
the impact of higher employer National Insurance and NLW could
begin to filter through into consumer prices. To protect
households, it is essential the government limits the burden on
the industry in other areas, ensuring no shop pays more as a
result of the upcoming business rates reform.”
-ENDS-
Notes:
-
ONS Consumer Price Index figures
|
Year on Year changes
|
Feb-25
|
Mar-25
|
|
CPI (overall index)
|
2.8%
|
2.6%
|
|
01 Food and non-alcoholic beverages
|
3.3%
|
3.0%
|
|
02 Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
|
5.7%
|
5.3%
|
|
03 Clothing and footwear
|
-0.6%
|
1.1%
|
|
04 Housing, water, electricity, gas and
other fuels
|
1.9%
|
1.8%
|
|
05 Furniture, household equipment and
maintenance
|
0.2%
|
0.5%
|
|
06 Health
|
5.1%
|
5.0%
|
|
07 Transport
|
1.8%
|
1.2%
|
|
08 Communication
|
7.3%
|
6.0%
|
|
09 Recreation and culture
|
3.4%
|
2.4%
|
|
10 Education
|
7.5%
|
7.5%
|
|
11 Restaurants and hotels
|
3.4%
|
3.0%
|
|
12 Miscellaneous goods and services
|
3.0%
|
3.1%
|
