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The rate of inflation eased to 10.5%, according to official figures – down from 10.7% in November.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the reduced cost of motor fuels led to the decline in the core consumer prices index (CPI) measure of inflation along with cheaper clothing and footwear, and recreation and culture.

Pushing inflation up, the ONS added, were higher prices in restaurants and hotels, food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Today’s announcement is the latest signal that the UK might have seen the worst of inflation. The number is down from a 41-year high of 11.1% recorded in October.

Economists polled by Reuters had expected a rate of 10.5% for the year up to December 2022.

Prices had been rising steadily since late 2021, when supply chain problems linked to COVID lockdowns and worker shortages meant demand for goods could not be met.

The problem was exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when countries scrambled to find other energy sources and reduce their use of Russian gas, pushing up the cost of energy and all other goods that require energy input, as a result.

The slow decrease in inflation is not good news for borrowers, as the Bank of England will likely continue its programme of interest rate increases to bring inflation to its 2% target.

The Bank’s chief economist this month warned that inflation may prove to be more persistent in the UK than other countries.

While it is expected by financial markets that rates will peak at 4.25% in May, Mr Pill’s comments may signal willingness at the Bank to raise rates higher or for longer if inflation does not come down.

Responding to today’s announcement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, said: “High inflation is a nightmare for family budgets, destroys business investment and leads to strike action, so however tough, we need to stick to our plan to bring it down.

“While any fall in inflation is welcome, we have a plan to go further and halve inflation this year, reduce debt, and grow the economy – but it is vital that we take the difficult decisions needed and see the plan through.

“To help families in the meantime, we are providing an average of £3,500 of support for every household over this year and next.”

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If the government’s inflation reduction targets are reached, it will not be because of state policy, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) said.

“The prime minister should achieve his pledge to halve inflation this year, but this will owe more to the downward pressure on prices from a flatlining economy and falling energy costs, than from any government action,” the ICAEW economics director said.

While inflation is easing, the pressures on households are sizeable and will remain that way, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) noted.

“Despite this, the cost of living crisis will continue to be a very real problem for both households and businesses, as price pressures remain high in the short-term,” the CBI’s lead economist, Alpesh Paleja, said. “Against the backdrop of a recession, firms will continue to face higher costs and weak demand conditions.”

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Murder arrest after woman stabbed to death in Enfield – as victim named

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April 21, 2025

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Murder arrest after woman stabbed to death in Enfield - as victim named

A woman who was stabbed to death in north London has been named by police – as a man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Pamela Munro, 45, was found with a stab wound and died at the scene in Ayley Croft, Enfield, on Saturday evening, the Metropolitan Police said.

A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday and is in custody, the force added.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John said: “Investigating officers have worked relentlessly across the weekend to investigate the circumstances around Pamela’s death.

“We continue to support her family who are understandably devastated.”

GVs from SN footage on 20/04/2025 at scene of murder on 19/04/2025 of woman at Gainsborough House, Ayley Croft, Enfield in north London. Ingest 25 NM25 SKY SAF ENFIELD MURDER GVS ENFIELD 2045
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Police at the scene at Ayley Croft in Enfield

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The Met Police has asked anyone with information or who was driving through Ayley Court between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Saturday and may have dashcam footage to contact the force.

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‘British man’ dies after being dragged out of police station in Ecuador – reports

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April 21, 2025

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'British man' dies after being dragged out of police station in Ecuador - reports

A “British man” has died after being beaten and set on fire by a mob in Ecuador, according to reports by media in the South American country.

According to reports, the man – who has not been officially identified – had been detained by police after being accused of being involved in a fatal shooting.

Ecuadorian news outlet Ecuavisa reported that the man had been taken to a police station Playas del Cuyabeno, a remote village in the Amazon rainforest.

While there, a group broke into the station and took the man away. He was then set on fire in the street, it is reported, and died from his burns.

Playas del Cuyabeno
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The incident reportedly happened in the Playas del Cuyabeno area of Sucumbios province

Another local report, from EXTRA.ec, said that specialist police units had been slow to arrive due to the geographical conditions of the area – which is accessible by river.

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According to reports, police officers at the station apparently decided they could not intervene when the mob arrived out of concerns for their own safety.

It is understood the UK Foreign Office is following up reports about the incident and working with local authorities to confirm the details.

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Three men charged over death of woman struck by van at golf course after police chase

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8 hours ago

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April 21, 2025

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Three men charged over death of woman struck by van at golf course after police chase

Three men have been charged with manslaughter over the death of a woman who was struck by a van at a golf course following a police pursuit.

Suzanne Cherry died in hospital four days after she was struck by the vehicle on the morning of 11 April.

Two police cars had been following a grey Nissan van in Lichfield, Birmingham, after receiving reports of suspicious activity, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

However, they stopped chasing the van when it went off-road and up an embankment at Aston Wood Golf Club, where it hit Ms Cherry, of Aldridge, Walsall.

West Midlands Police said John McDonald, 51, of Bloxwich, has been charged with manslaughter, assault by beating and failing to stop a vehicle when directed by a constable.

Johnny McDonald, 22, of Dudley, and Brett Delaney, 34, of Darlaston, Walsall, have also been charged with manslaughter.

They are due to appear at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on 21 April.

Three other men who had been arrested have been bailed with conditions.

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Following Ms Cherry’s death, her husband paid tribute to his “beautiful wife” and described how he watched in “helpless horror” during the incident.

“Suzanne leaves a legacy and an unfillable void in the lives of her mother Maureen, her three adult children, two step-children and countless others from her work, her sporting activities and social circle,” he added.

The IOPC continues to investigate the circumstances prior to the crash.

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