The rate has risen sharply over recent months and the September figure has returned to match July’s 40-year high, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

Rising food and non-alcoholic prices made the largest upward contribution, with annual inflation for these items now running at 14.6%, up from 13.1% in August – fuelled by price rises for basics such as bread, cereals, meat products, milk and cheese.

The annual rate of inflation for this category has continued to rise for the last 14 consecutive months, from negative 0.6% in July 2021. The current rate is estimated to be the highest since April 1980.