UK inflation jump calls for matching rise in state benefits

Standard formula means payments would increase by 10.1% but Jeremy Hunt could choose cheaper option

• UK inflation rises to 10.1% on back of soaring food prices
• UK inflation: which goods and services have risen most in price?
• Business live updates: UK inflation back to double digits

For millions of people - pensioners and those eligible for state benefits - last month's double-digit inflation figure is the one that really matters.

Each year, the government uses the September increase in the cost of living as measured by the consumer prices index to calculate by how much pensions and benefits will rise the following April.