UK inflation dips but food prices rise 17% amid squeeze on low-income families

Annual rate falls in December, although it remains at one of the highest levels in 40 years

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Inflation in the UK fell for a second month in December but remained at one of the highest levels in 40 years, as a near 17% increase in the price of food kept pressure on households amid the cost of living crisis.

The Office for National Statistics said the annual rate as measured by the consumer prices index dipped again last month to 10.5%, continuing a fall from 10.7% in November and its recent peak of 11.1% in October.