Public beta. Independent and not affiliated with the UK Government.

Living standards indicator

Consumer Prices Index annual inflation

Prices were still rising on average, but at a slower annual rate than a year earlier. Lower inflation means prices are rising more slowly; it does not mean the overall price level is falling.

Verified primary source
Current figure2.9%
Previous figure2.6%
Change+0.3 points
Reporting period2026 JUL

Long-term trend

The displayed series runs from 2024 AUG (2.2%) to 2026 JUL (2.9%). This is descriptive and does not attribute causation.

Accessible data table
Consumer Prices Index annual inflation recent observations
PeriodValue
2024 AUG2.2%
2024 SEP1.7%
2024 OCT2.3%
2024 NOV2.6%
2024 DEC2.5%
2025 JAN3%
2025 FEB2.8%
2025 MAR2.6%
2025 APR3.5%
2025 MAY3.4%
2025 JUN3.6%
2025 JUL3.8%
2025 AUG3.8%
2025 SEP3.8%
2025 OCT3.6%
2025 NOV3.2%
2025 DEC3.4%
2026 JAN3%
2026 FEB3%
2026 MAR3.3%
2026 APR2.8%
2026 MAY2.8%
2026 JUN2.6%
2026 JUL2.9%

Insight

FactWhat the data show. Consumer Prices Index annual inflation was 2.9% in 2026 JUL.

CalculationWhat has changed. The change from 2026 JUN is +0.3 percentage points.

ComparisonHow it compares. Comparison awaiting period-aligned review. The year-earlier value was 3.8%.

InterpretationWhy it may matter. Inflation affects household purchasing power, benefit and pension uprating, business costs and the interest-rate decisions that influence mortgages, saving and investment.

LimitationImportant limitations. The latest rate may be revised and does not describe price changes for every household. International aggregates use comparable headline CPI growth rates for the same month, but national baskets and weights still differ.

Policy optionsPossible evidence-based responses. No option is published until supporting and questioning evidence, distributional effects, cost, risks, confidence and success measures complete editorial review. Options are not instructions or endorsements.

MeasurementHow progress could be measured. Continue the same monthly series, record revisions and compare like-for-like reporting periods.