UK inflation slows more than expected in March
By Michele Maatouk
Date: Wednesday 16 Apr 2025
(Sharecast News) - UK consumer price inflation slowed more than expected in the year to March, according to data released on Wednesday by the Office for National Statistics.
Inflation rose 2.6%, down from 2.8% in February and coming in below expectations for 2.7% growth.
The largest downward contributions came from recreation and culture, and motor fuels, the ONS said. The largest upward contribution came from clothing.
Core inflation - which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco - rose by 3.4% in the year to March, down from 3.5% the month before.
ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said: "Inflation eased again in March, driven by a variety of factors including falling fuel prices and unchanged food costs compared with the price rises we saw this time last year.
"The only significant offset came from the price of clothes, which rose strongly this month, following the unusual decrease in February."
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "Inflation falling for two months in a row, wages growing faster than prices and positive growth figures are encouraging signs that our Plan for Change is working, but there is more to be done.
"I know many families are still struggling with the cost of living and this is an anxious time because of a changing world. That is why the government has boosted pay for three million people by increasing the minimum wage, frozen fuel duty and begun rolling out free breakfast clubs in primary schools."
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