UK inflation slows on back of cheaper clothing and food
UK inflation slowed down in November as clothing and food prices shrank amid tightened coronavirus restrictions.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation decreased to 0.3% for the month, from 0.7% in October.
It was below the expectations of analysts, who had predicted that inflation would only dip to 0.6%.
Commenting on today’s figures, Deputy National Statistician for Economic Statistics @jathers_ONS said: (1/1) pic.twitter.com/RBKRLOaVSp
— Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) December 16, 2020
The ONS said sliding clothing and footwear costs made the largest contribution to lower inflation, as shoppers saw prices which were 3.6% lower than in the same month last year amid significant discounting.
ONS deputy national statistician for economic statistics Jonathan Athow said: “With significant restrictions in place across the UK, inflation slowed, predominantly due to clothing and food prices.
“Also, after several months of buoyant growth, second-hand car prices fell back a little.”
