The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has confirmed today that UK inflation has risen to 9.4% amid the rising cost of living crisis.
This is once again the highest the figure has been for 40 years.
The data released by the ONS for June today is higher than the 9.3% previously-predicted by economists, and comes after the UK annual inflation rate first broke the 40-year record by hitting 9% back in April, before rising again to 9.1% in May – officially making it the ninth month in a row that the rate has risen.
The ONS said that June’s inflation figure was in part due to a 42% year-on-year increase in petrol prices, and an increase of almost 10% in food prices, while overall transport costs were also said to be one of the main culprits.
On top of that, prices paid by factories for materials and energy were 24% higher in June than a year earlier, which is the biggest increase since records all the way back began in 1985, and prices charged by factories jumped by 16.5% in June too.
The ONS has confirmed that the UK inflation has risen to 9.4% amid the rising cost of living crisis / Credit: Aldi UK
The Bank of England is expecting a further acceleration beyond 11% in October.
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This rise is expected when the energy price cap is to be adjusted yet again, and is predicted to surge towards average annual bills above £3,000.
Speaking on the latest rise of the inflation rate, Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said: “Countries around the world are battling higher prices and I know how difficult that is for people right here in the UK, so we are working alongside the Bank of England to bear down on inflation.
“We’ve introduced £37 billion worth of help for households, including at least £1,200 for eight million of the most vulnerable families and lifting over two million more of the lowest paid out of paying personal tax.”
The government’s handling of the cost of living crisis as a whole has been heavily critiqued.
This is the the ninth month in a row that the inflation rate has risen / Credit: Aldi UK
In response to the Chancellor’s comments on the rising inflation rate today, and referencing the government’s handling of the cost of living crisis, Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: “The cost of living crisis is leaving families more worried every day, but all we get from the Tories is chaos, distraction and unfunded fantasy economics.
“Rising inflation may be pushing family finances to the brink, but the low wage spiral facing so many in Britain isn’t new. It’s the result of a decade of Tory mismanagement of our economy, meaning living standards and real wages have failed to grow.
“We need more than sticking plasters to get us back on course – we need a stronger, and more secure economy.”
— Barefoot Spooky Bartender 👣💀🍹 (@barefoottiki) October 10, 2024
“Be assured there won’t be 14408mph winds, hurricane force winds or overnight temperatures of 404°C.
“It is being looked at and hopefully sorted asap.”
BBC Weather shared: “You may have noticed some data issues on our app and website. We are working hard to fix it quickly. Sorry – please bear with us.
“In the meantime here are Thursday’s weather headlines: -Colder, clearer air moving in -Rain and drizzle in south -Blustery showers near east coast”
And national treasure Carol Kirkwood said live on air: “We are having a technical glitch at the moment. It’s showing wind speeds far too fast, in fact, hurricane strength and that is not the case at all.
“Please don’t be alarmed. We are aware of it and on it.”
At the time of writing, the BBC Weather forecast service is still predicting hurricane force winds for the UK. Eek.
BBC issues statement after UK forecast shows ‘hurricane force winds’ up to 14,000mph
New 44-storey skyscraper proposed that could change one of Manchester’s most famous views
Emily Sergeant
Plans for a massive new 44-storey residential skyscraper in the heart of the city centre have been revealed.
But does this mean it could change one Manchester‘s most famous views?
Located on what has been referred to as a “prominent site” adjacent to Deansgate train station and Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop at Whitworth Street West, these dramatic proposals would see the development of 364 apartments set over 44 storeys – with more 7,750 sq ft of active space on the ground, first, and second floor levels.
Developers Glenbrook say the building has been designed to “respond to the city’s heritage”, most-notably through its three-storey arched terracotta colonnade at street level.
Well-lit new green spaces, the enhancing of existing pedestrian routes, and seamless integration with the surrounding communities, all form part of the landscaping proposals for the bold new project.
“As a Manchester-based developer, we are excited about the prospect of embarking on a landmark development in the heart of our city, admitted Daniel Roberts, who is the Development Director at Glenbrook, as the proposals were unveiled this week.
“Whitworth Street West is undergoing a period of revitalisation, and Glenbrook are incredibly proud to be playing such an integral part in its future.”
A CGI of a proposed skyscraper on Whitworth Street West in Manchester / Credit: Glenbrook
A public consultation on the plans has now been launched, and will be live up until 28 October, as well as a dedicated in-person event, where representatives from Glenbrook and the design team will be on hand to answer questions and gather feedback, scheduled to take place at HOME MCR on First Street from 3:30-7:30pm on 15 October.
Residents, businesses, and interested stakeholders will have the opportunity to view the plans in detail, and provide their thoughts on the proposals.
The view of what Whitworth Street West currently looks like in October 2024 / Credit: The Manc Group
According to developers, the feedback gathered during the consultation will play a key role in shaping the final planning application – which will be submitted to the Manchester City Council in the coming months, and ultimately ensure the development meets the needs of the community.
Emily Sergeant -
20th July 2022 
