UK inflation jumps higher than expected to 3.5% amid bills increase

Annual rise in April follows upturn in national insurance contributions and higher household costs

Inflation jumped by more than expected last month to 3.5% after dramatic increases in water bills, energy costs and council tax, official figures show.

A rise in employer national insurance contributions and a boost to the national minimum wage also put pressure on companies to raise prices in April by more than City analysts had forecast.