UK inflation remained unchanged at 3.8% in August, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), matching July’s figure and analysts’ expectations.
The data comes just ahead of the Bank of England’s policy meeting on Thursday, where markets widely expect the central bank to hold interest rates at 4% after cutting them last month to their lowest in 2.5 years.
The BoE has forecast inflation to peak at 4% in September, double its 2% target, suggesting a “higher-for-longer” rate environment.
Lindsay James, investment strategist at Quilter, said the figures “will keep pressure on households already contending with elevated living costs and on businesses facing squeezed demand.”
The ONS noted that airfares fell in August after a sharp July jump, but petrol, diesel and food prices continued to climb.
The government is also battling weak growth and jobs concerns. Official data showed the economy stagnated in July, while unemployment stayed at a four-year high of 4.7%.
Finance minister Rachel Reeves admitted families were “finding it tough,” but pledged to maintain a tight grip on public spending.
Britain’s economy has been sluggish since Reeves introduced tax hikes and spending cuts following Labour’s July 2024 election victory.
Still, optimism flickered this week as Microsoft and Google announced fresh UK investments, coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s state visit.
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