UK inflation surges to 3.25% with record jump

Up from 2.1% in July

Kathleen Gallagher
clock • 2 min read

The UK inflation rate rose to 3.2% in August from 2.1% in July, the biggest increase since records began in 1997.

The rate was driven primarily by restaurants and hotels, recreation and culture and food and non-alcoholic beverages, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). However, the ONS also noted that part of the change is due to discounted restaurant and café prices in August 2020 as part of the government's Eat Out to Help Out scheme with the VAT cut and supply issues also playing a role. Transport also made a significant contribution, noted Laura Suter, head of personal finance at AJ Bell, with second-hand cars rising 18.4% since April this year, compared to a 1.4% rise in the...

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 Economics / Markets

IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

IFS: Reeves must plug £22bn fiscal hole to restore 'tiny' headroom

Think tank urges chancellor to avoid 'limping from one forecast to the next'

Linus Uhlig
clock 16 October 2025 • 2 min read
Why higher bond yields aren't causing a Mini-Budget meltdown

Why higher bond yields aren't causing a Mini-Budget meltdown

'One thing we know about Rachel Reeves is she will live or die by her fiscal rules'

Laith Khalaf
clock 07 October 2025 • 5 min read
City 'has lost sympathy with this Labour government' - George Osborne

City 'has lost sympathy with this Labour government' - George Osborne

Former chancellor defends the OBR

Michael Nelson
clock 01 October 2025 • 3 min read