ALT There was a notable fall in annual inflation led by lower electricity and gas prices. This was due to the Government’s energy bill support package reducing variable and fixed tariffs, along with lower global wholesale energy prices before the conflict in the Middle East, which fed through to the reduction in the Ofgem cap. Grant Fitzner, Chief Economist, ONS 

ALT Quote graphic “Smaller rises in water and sewage bills and Vehicle Excise Duty than seen last year also helped pull the rate down. Food prices, particularly for chocolate and meat products, and the price of package holidays drove inflation down further.  " “These were only partially offset by a further increase in petrol and diesel prices, and an uptick in the cost of clothing and footwear.  " Grant Fitzner, Chief Economist, ONS 

ALT “The annual cost of both raw materials and goods leaving factories continued to rise, driven again by higher crude oil and petrol prices.”  Grant Fitzner, Chief Economist, ONS 

ALT GDP growth in the UK January to March 2026 GDP up 0.6% Services up 0.8% Production up 0.2% Construction up 0.4%