There was a surprise surge in CPI inflation in February to 10.4% - from 10.1% in January - due mainly to rising food prices.

The latest figures from the ONS day show that the UK avoided recession in the fourth quarter of 2022 but there was zero growth.

CPI inflation continued its recent downward trend in December for the second month with a fall from 10.7% to 10.5%.

CPI inflation dropped back to 10.7% in November - from 11.1% in October - as petrol prices fell.