Slight decline in ONS’s final report released in 2025
INFLATION saw a slight decline in the 12 months to the end of November, according to the latest report from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The consumer price index including housing costs (CPIH) figure sat at 3.5% by the end of the month, falling from October’s figure of 3.8%. This has proven to be a gradual fall for the statistic and marks the lowest CPIH figure for eight months.
Furthermore, food and non-alcoholic beverages fared better during the month, falling by 0.7% to sit at 4.2% by the end of November. The ONS said the main downward effect to the change came in the rate for bread and cereals; dairy products; and the sugar, jam, syrups, chocolate and confectioner classes.
Alcohol and tobacco prices saw also saw a steep decline as well, falling from October’s 5.9% to sit at 4% by the end of November.
The easing in the 12-month rate was a reflection on tobacco, as prices fell by 0.1% between the two months, compared with a rise of 3.3% in 2024. However, this ONS did note that this was influenced by the rise in tobacco duty in 2024 and that the increase for this year took place on 26 November, after the data collection period for the month.
Responding to the latest inflation figures, Kris Hamer, director of insight at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Headline inflation eased back considerably last month, driven by extensive discounting by retailers across Black Friday month. With many customers kicking off their Christmas shopping, there will have been relief to see the price of clothing and footwear fall on the year.
“And while high labour and commodity costs have pushed up food inflation over 2025, bigger promotions ahead of Christmas helped to bring this figure down. As a result, there were deals to be had, with bigger discounts seen for some meat products such as pork, lamb and chicken.
“While retailers are trying to offer their customers great value in the run up to Christmas, Government imposed costs including the recent packaging tax, has made this increasingly difficult.
“Looking ahead to next year, it is vital that Government works with industry to create a policy environment that eases the cost and regulatory burden on the industry and allows retailers to invest more in both their prices and customer experience.”
