UK inflation rate: next figures out 21 October 2026
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes the UK's inflation figures for September 2026 on Wednesday 21 October 2026. ONS releases normally go out at 7 a.m. UK time (ONS).
The latest figures, August 2026
| Measure | 12 months to August | 12 months to July |
|---|---|---|
| CPI (headline inflation) | 3.1% | 2.9% |
| CPIH (includes owner-occupiers' housing costs) | 3.3% | 3.1% |
| Core CPI (excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco) | 2.6% | 2.6% |
The ONS said transport, especially motor fuel, made the biggest upward contribution in August. Prices of goods rose by 2.7% over the year and services by 3.4% (CPI measures).
Why September's figure matters most
- State Pension: under the triple lock, April's rise is the highest of earnings growth, September's CPI or 2.5%. Earnings grew 3.9%, so the pension rise depends on whether September's CPI beats that. See our page on the state pension increase.
- Benefits: many working-age and disability benefits are usually raised each April in line with September's CPI.
- Interest rates: the Bank of England watches inflation against its 2% target when it sets interest rates.
CPI or CPIH: which is "the" inflation rate?
Headlines usually quote CPI, the Consumer Prices Index. It is the measure the Bank of England targets and the one used for the State Pension and benefits. CPIH adds the costs of owning a home and council tax; the ONS calls it its lead measure. Core CPI strips out the most volatile items, which helps show the underlying trend.
Where to read the figures on the day
The new bulletin, "Consumer price inflation, UK: September 2026", appears on the ONS inflation pages at release time. A year earlier, CPI inflation for September 2025 was 3.8%.
