This increase was mainly driven by soaring air fares - which jumped by 30.2% - driven by higher school holiday prices - here's why. Meanwhile, food price inflation rose to 4.9% driven by higher prices for goods including beef, instant coffee and orange juice.

British inflation hit its highest in 18 months in July when it increased to 3.8% from 3.6%, official data showed on Wednesday, once again leaving the country with the fastest rate of price increases among the world's largest rich economies.

Inflation is expected to jump again when July’s report is published this morning. Rising food prices and summer spending could be partly responsible.