Inflation rate drops from August to September
Inflation has fallen to 1.2% according to the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics, making it the lowest since September 2009.
The organisation announced this morning that inflation had fallen from 1.5% last month. The Consumer Prices Index grew by 1.2% in the year to September 2014, down from 1.5% in August.
CPIH (not a National Statistic) grew by 1.2% in the year to September 2014, down from 1.5% in August.
The ONS said in its bulletin: "Housing & household services (including utility bills) accounted for a third of the rate of inflation in the year to September. If falling food and motor fuel prices were excluded, the rate of inflation would be a third higher."
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Ben Brettell, senior economist at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: "Today's fall in CPI inflation to 1.2% shocked forecasters and further underlines the case for leaving interest rates on hold.
"Economists had expected a smaller drop to 1.4%. With inflation predicted to fall further in the coming months, those hoping for a pre-election interest rate rise are highly likely to be disappointed.
"Prior to today's data, some analysts were predicting CPI inflation could fall as low as 1% by the end of the year – these forecasts could now come under further pressure.
Sylvia Waycot, editor at Moneyfacts.co.uk, said:"Despite this being the first time in two years an easy access or notice account beats inflation, the savings market remains in a dire state with the fall in inflation actually making little difference to savers.
"Today there is a total of 833 savings accounts on the market, but only 322 (167 fixed bonds, 152 ISAs, 3 no notice accounts and 5 notice accounts) pay enough interest to negate the effects of tax and inflation.
"Even with the new £15,000 ISA limit savers' funds are just not wanted by providers, which is an after effect from the Government-backed Funding for Lending Scheme.
"The average interest paid across the ISA range pays a miserable 1.56% as opposed to 1.70% last year.
"Five years ago, savers could get 3.75% in a no notice account, but today they would need to invest for a staggering seven years to get 3.52%.
"What savers want is the return of real competition in the savings market and some realistic deals on offer."
Kevin Doran, CIO of Brown Shipley, said: "For the masses – particularly those witnessing weak wage growth – the numbers will be a cause for mild celebration.
"Yet, with inflation continuing to outstrip the rate of return on deposits, the 'war on savers' continues unabated. Since declaration of hostilities in March 2009, the rate of return on cash deposits has amounted to just 3%, during which time the cost of living (measured by RPI) has risen by 22%.
"Representing an 18% loss of purchasing power, the true rebalancing of the UK economy –which sees savers wealth transferred to borrowers – seems set to enter into its 6th year, with interest rates unlikely to rise until February at the earliest."