Clothing drives highest UK inflation rate since March

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.6% in the 12 months to November 2024, up from 2.3% in the 12 months to October. On a monthly basis, CPI rose by 0.1% in November 2024, compared with a fall of 0.2% in November 2023.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said prices of clothing rose by 2% in November 2024, up from 1% in October 2024.

The Consumer Price Index including owner occupiers' housing costs (CPIH) rose by 3.5% in the 12 months to November 2024, up from 3.2% in the 12 months to October.

On a monthly basis, CPIH rose by 0.2% in November 2024, compared with a fall of 0.1% in November 2023.

Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS, said: "Inflation rose again this month as prices of motor fuel and clothing increased this year but fell a year ago."

Kris Hamer, director of insight of the British Retail Consortium, said: “Headline inflation rose once again last month. November’s figures were driven primarily by increased inflation rates of fuel and clothing and footwear. There was some welcome news for those shopping around early for Christmas presents, as furniture and household equipment remained in deflation, albeit not quite as low as in October."