The UK inflation rate rose in December after hard-hit clothing retailers held off from traditional steep Boxing Day discounts, according to official figures.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation increased to 0.6 per cent in December from 0.3 per cent in November.
It said clothing prices were up marginally between November and December in contrast to the usual fall brought by Boxing Day sales, though prices still dropped on an annual basis.
Extra demand for computer games and consoles and children’s toys also pushed up inflation, with annual recreation and culture inflation surging to its highest level since August.
Jonathan Athow, deputy national statistician at the ONS, said: “Clothing prices put upward pressure on inflation in December, despite some evidence of continued discounting.
“Transport costs, including air, sea and coach fares, as well as petrol prices, rose as some travel restrictions eased during parts of the month.
“These were partially offset by falling food prices, most notably for vegetables and meat.”
