British inflation eases in March

British annual consumer price inflation eased to a one-year low in March, while retail price inflation turned negative for the first time in nearly 50 years, official data showed yesterday.

The Office for National Statistics said consumer prices rose by 0.2 per cent in March, taking the annual rate down to 2.9 per cent from 3.2 per cent in February.

Retail price inflation, used as a benchmark for many wage deals, was flat on the month and fell to -0.4 per cent year-on-year, the first negative annual reading since March 1960.

The figures were broadly in line with consensus and support the Bank of England's view that inflationary pressures, which have proved surprisingly resilient in recent months, will subside over the course of the year.

The main downward effects on consumer prices last month came from household costs, particularly a fall in gas bills.

The biggest downward impact on the RPI measure came from falling house prices and lower mortgage costs following the Bank of England's recent interest rate cuts.

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