This is once again the highest the figure has been for 40 years.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has confirmed today that UK inflation has risen to 9.4% amid the rising cost of living crisis, reports The Manc.
The data released by the ONS for June today is higher than the 9.3% previously-predicted by economists, and comes after the UK annual inflation rate first broke the 40-year record by hitting 9% back in April, before rising again to 9.1% in May - officially making it the ninth month in a row that the rate has risen.
The ONS said that June's inflation figure was in part due to a 42% year-on-year increase in petrol prices, and an increase of almost 10% in food prices, while overall transport costs were also said to be one of the main culprits.
On top of that, prices paid by factories for materials and energy were 24% higher in June than a year earlier, which is the biggest increase since records all the way back began in 1985, and prices charged by factories jumped by 16.5% in June too.
The ONS has confirmed that the UK inflation has risen to 9.4% amid the rising cost of living crisis / Credit: Aldi UK
The Bank of England is expecting a further acceleration beyond 11% in October.
This rise is expected when the energy price cap is to be adjusted yet again, and is predicted to surge towards average annual bills above £3,000.
Speaking on the latest rise of the inflation rate, Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said: "Countries around the world are battling higher prices and I know how difficult that is for people right here in the UK, so we are working alongside the Bank of England to bear down on inflation.
"We’ve introduced £37 billion worth of help for households, including at least £1,200 for eight million of the most vulnerable families and lifting over two million more of the lowest paid out of paying personal tax."
The government's handling of the cost of living crisis as a whole has been heavily critiqued.
This is the the ninth month in a row that the inflation rate has risen / Credit: Aldi UK
In response to the Chancellor's comments on the rising inflation rate today, and referencing the government's handling of the cost of living crisis, Labour's Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "The cost of living crisis is leaving families more worried every day, but all we get from the Tories is chaos, distraction and unfunded fantasy economics.
"Rising inflation may be pushing family finances to the brink, but the low wage spiral facing so many in Britain isn't new. It's the result of a decade of Tory mismanagement of our economy, meaning living standards and real wages have failed to grow.
"We need more than sticking plasters to get us back on course - we need a stronger, and more secure economy."
Millions of train tickets are currently on sale for just £2 each, as Northern has brought its popular ‘Flash Sale’ back for 2026.
A whopping FOUR MILLION of them, to be exact.
For the last couple of years, the rail operator has made life a little easier for train travellers by giving them the chance to grab one of several million tickets for much cheaper than normal – and now, with the cost of living crisis sadly continuing to make its impact felt, Northern has decided to kick off the autumn season by slashing prices once again.
It means that millions of people will have the opportunity to make a cut-price journey across the north of England before the end of October is out.
With the company’s regular ‘Flash Sales’ having gone onto become a, somewhat, legendary event at this point, it probably comes as no shock that you’ll need to act fast if you want to be in with a chance of get your hands tickets.
Northern’s ‘Flash Sale’ is back for 2026 with millions of train tickets on sale from £2 / Credit: Northern | Wikimedia Commons
Tickets went live today and the sale runs for three days, closing on Friday 4 September – with tickets valid for travel between 9 September and 23 October 2026.
A list of routes where tickets will be available can also be found using the ‘cheap fare finder’ tool on the Northern website here.
“With four million tickets up for grabs, this is one of our biggest Flash Sales yet, and there’s something for everyone,” commented Alex Hornby, who is the Commercial and Customer Director at Northern.
“With millions of tickets available for just £2 each, our Flash Sale will make the railway even more appealing, and we believe it will inspire everyone to explore everything our fantastic region has to offer, from bustling cities to countryside and stunning coastlines.
“Customers will need to book early to avoid disappointment, as once they’re gone, they’re gone.”
Tickets are available to buy on Northern’s app, online, at ticket offices, and on ticket machines at stations managed by Northern.
Leeds cinemas are offering tickets to see big blockbusters for just £4 this weekend
Emily Sergeant
You can watch some of the year’s biggest blockbusters for just £4 this weekend.
That’s because, to celebrate National Cinema Weekend (5-6 September), Vue has announced that it’ll be offering cut-price tickets to everything from the latest blockbusters and family favourites, to indie horrors and classic re-releases so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the full cinematic experience this autumn.
Some of the highlights currently showing that you’ll be able to see for just £4 include summer hits like Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, and Toy Story 5, as well as the recent release of Ridley Scott’s latest film, The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi.
Family favourites such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie, and Cars will also be screening over National Cinema Weekend.
Meanwhile, horror fans can also catch new releases Insidious: Out of the Further, and indie horror Leviticus, or see the year’s biggest horror hit, Obsession, if you haven’t already.
The best bit about the offer? It applies to every seat on every showing, all weekend long. Just pass us the popcorn now.
This means that film lovers can enjoy Vue’s biggest and comfiest seats, Ultra Lux, which are strategically positioned to give the best possible view of the big screen – with extra-wide armrests, back and leg rests that recline independently, a personal table for snacks and beverages, and a state-of-the-art wine cooler, all for just £4 each.
“We encourage everyone to make the most of the celebration and enjoy a film at Vue.”
National Cinema Weekend returns for 2026 this Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, and you can book tickets on the Vue website here.
The Hoot -
20th July 2022 
