The State Pension is almost certain to rise by 4.8% in April due to stubborn CPI inflation figures, the latest of which were published today by the Office for National Statistics.

Rising food and transport prices pushed up CPI inflation unexpectedly in June to 3.6%, from 3.4% in May.

CPI inflation eased slightly in May to 3.4% from 3.5% in April, ONS said today.

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) jumped to 3.5% in April from 2.6% in March as a swathe of price increases on everything from energy prices to council tax and private school fees kicked in.

The 12 month rate of CPI inflation eased in March to 2.6% from 2.8% in February in an unexpected second consecutive monthly fall.

CPI inflation dipped to 2.8% in February in a boost for the Chancellor who will today present her Spring Statement in the commons.

The 12 month CPI rate of inflation - the most widely used inflation measure - spiked up in January to 3% from 2.5% in December.

CPI inflation fell unexpectedly in December to 2.5% from 2.6% in November after two months of rises.

CPI inflation has spiked upwards for the second month in a row, to 2.6% in November, ONS reported today.

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted 6-3 to keep the base rate at 4.75% in a widely expected move.

Lower fuel and transport costs helped cut CPI inflation in the 12 months to September to 1.7% from 2.2% in August.

CPI inflation unexpectedly spiked upwards last month to 2.3% from a low of 1.7% the previous month, ONS reported today.

CPI inflation remained at 2.2% in August, unchanged from the previous month.

The Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has voted 8-1 to hold the base rate at 5% in a widely expected decision.