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Inflation has risen to a ‘higher than expected’ 41-year UK high of 11.1%

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 16th November 2022

Inflation rose at a “higher than expected” rate last month, and is now at a 41-year UK high of 11.1% amid the cost of living crisis.

Up from 10.1% in September, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has confirmed today that the consumer prices index (CPI) measure of inflation had risen by a whole 1% in October too 11.1% – which is the highest it has been in 41 years since October 1981 as the rising cost of living crisis continues to make its impact felt nationwide.

The cost of electricity and heating for homes was one of the fastest rising figures last month, the ONS said, despite most households receiving help from the government’s energy price guarantee – which was introduced at the start of last month, and limits wholesale charges for gas and power – while food costs were was also cited as another major element.

At 16.5%, the cost of food rose at the fastest annual pace since 1977, the ONS stated.

The ONS also added that prices rose between September and October 2022 by as much as they did in the entire year to July 2021.

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“Over the past year, gas prices have climbed nearly 130%, while electricity has risen by around 66%,” explained Grant Fitzner – chief economist at the ONS.

The confirmation of the new rate of inflation comes ahead of newly-appointed Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s Autumn Budget statement tomorrow, and also suggests that Bank of England will have to raise interest rates further to bring inflation down to its 2% target, the Financial Times reports.

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Inflation has risen to a ‘higher than expected’ 41-year UK high of 11.1% / Credit: Aldi

Blaming Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for the deepening cost of living crisis, Hunt has pledged to take “tough but necessary decisions on tax and spending” in the Autumn Budget to help bring inflation down.

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He added: “We cannot have long-term, sustainable growth with high inflation.

“Tomorrow I will set out a plan to get debt falling, deliver stability, and drive down inflation while protecting the most vulnerable.”

Featured Image – Flickr

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‘Unsettled week’ of wind, rain, and snow could greet Mancs into the new year

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A mix of weather conditions could be expected to hit the north across the new year weekend – including wind, rain, and snow.

As Greater Manchester prepares to enter 2025, it looks like we’ll be bringing our usual moody weather along with us too, as starting today and running right through until the end of this week, Mancs can expect some not-so-pleasant conditions to accompany this party season.

The Met Office has described this period as ‘an unsettled week’.

While forecasters are encouraging people to keep checking for further weather updates where possible, thankfully, this turbulent spell of weather is only predicted to stick around until Thursday (2 January) – with no warnings issued for this Friday (3 January) or the weekend so far.

In a video shared to the Met Office’s X account, the visual shows that the most severe cases of wet and windy conditions look like on New Year’s Day itself (Wednesday 1 January), where there is even some snow forecasted for certain areas.

“Almost the entire UK is covered by at least one weather warning during the coming week,” warned Andy Page, who is the Chief Forecaster at the Met Office.

He continued: “With lots of celebrations and people on the move over the coming days, we are urging everyone to keep checking the forecast so they can update their plans.”

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How ever you plan to celebrate the New Year season, make sure you double check weather reports and updates on the Met Office’s official site first.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons

News

Picturesque Greater Manchester railway granted £1.3m to restore historic viaduct

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

One of Greater Manchester’s most picturesque railways has been given substantial funding to restore a historic viaduct along the line.

As part of the Government‘s wider Plan for Change, the Bury-based heritage railway, East Lancashire Railway (ELR), has been awarded more than £1.3 million in grants to carry out urgent repair work to the Higher Woodhill Viaduct – which is on the edge of Burrs Country Park, in the heart of the stunning Irwell Valley.

Repairs to the historic viaduct, which goes past the site of the former Higher Woodhill Mill, were last carried out all the way back in 1932.

But now, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has granted the funding for restoration through its ‘Community Ownership Fund’, alongside three local authorities from Bury, Rochdale, and the nearby Rossendale in Lancashire, all putting in a further £276,000 in match funding.

Important supporters of the railway, such as members of the public and local businesses, have also added a few thousand pounds more to the project.

While inspections to the structure and safety of the viaduct are carried out on a regular basis, ELR assures, it was flagged earlier in 2024 that long-term repairs would be required to allow for the “continued level of use” of steam and heritage diesel trains along the line.

Speaking on the funding being granted, Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of East Lancashire Railway, commented: “This is a major investment for the future and a massive vote of confidence for our dedicated volunteers and staff to help secure the railway’s infrastructure for years to come.

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“Now with this fantastic news, we are able to continue running our award-winning events and services without disruption for future generations to enjoy, thanks to the generosity and support of the East Lancashire Railway Trust, our local community partners and supporters, as well as local and national politicians.”

Essential maintenance works are due to start next year in the spring.

Featured Image – Supplied

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