Inflation was higher than expected last month, official figures show, ahead of the Bank of England’s next interest rate decision.
The consumer prices index (CPI) rose by 3.4pc in May, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
This was unchanged from 3.4pc in April, a figure which was revised lower from 3.5pc after the ONS admitted to an error in its data earlier this month.
Analysts had forecast that inflation would edge down to 3.3pc in May.
Food prices rose at their fastest pace since February 2024, raising concerns about rising pressures on households.
