Inflation outpaces target
The cost of living unexpectedly surged at its fastest rate for almost six years during April, figures show.
The 0.5% rise in the Consumer Prices Index to 3% is the biggest monthly jump since July 2002 and follows surging gas and electricity bills, and food prices.
Seven of the 12 categories of goods measured by the CPI showed price increases on the previous month, including alcohol and tobacco.