UK inflation stays at three-year high of 2.3%

Economists warn rate will rise further as Brexit effect on sterling inflates grocery bills and eats into already strained household budgets

Rising food and clothing prices kept Britain's inflation rate at its highest level for more than three years last month, putting household budgets under pressure as the Brexit effect on the pound worked its way through the economy.

Official figures put inflation on the consumer prices index (CPI) at 2.3% for the second month running in March, in line with economists' forecasts, as food prices rose at the fastest pace for three years, increasing 1.2% on the year.

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Related: UK inflation steady at 2.3% in March - business live

Related: UK inflation stays at three-year high of 2.3%