Osborne set for first 'inflation misses target' letter - papers

Scott Sinclair
clock

UK inflation probably accelerated to a three-month high in April as higher energy costs and the weakness of the pound stoked prices enough to prompt a letter of explanation from Bank of England Governor Mervyn King.

Consumer prices rose 3.5% from a year earlier, compared with a 3.4% increase in March, according to the median of 27 forecasts in a Bloomberg survey of economists. That would leave inflation above the government's 3% upper limit three months after the previous breach, requiring King to write to Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne. The Bank of England said on 12 May that inflation may be faster than previously forecast in the coming months, before it slows below the 2% target and keeps undershooting the goal because of slack in the economy. King told reporters Britain faces ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

News editor's view: 40s are the new 50s - a move in the right direction? 

News editor's view: 40s are the new 50s - a move in the right direction? 

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 1 May

Isabel Baxter
clock 01 May 2026 • 3 min read
Feel Good Friday: FOS chooses Dementia UK as charity partner

Feel Good Friday: FOS chooses Dementia UK as charity partner

Will support Dementia UK over the next two years

Professional Adviser
clock 01 May 2026 • 1 min read
Why 50:50 parenting doesn't necessarily mean no child maintenance

Why 50:50 parenting doesn't necessarily mean no child maintenance

'In many cases, one parent will meet a greater share of the children’s financial needs'

Clizia Motterle
clock 01 May 2026 • 4 min read