Local news
UK CPI inflation at 3.5% in September — what it means for local bills
ONS says CPI rose 3.5% in the 12 months to September 2026 (up from 3.1% in August). CPIH was 3.6%. Transport, especially motor fuels, drove much of the rise.
Data as of: ONS Consumer price inflation, UK: September 2026 (released 21 October 2026).
National inflation is the backdrop to every local household budget. The Office for National Statistics’ latest bulletin shows the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.5% in the 12 months to September 2026, up from 3.1% the previous month. CPI including owner-occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) rose by 3.6%, up from 3.3%.
On a monthly basis both CPI and CPIH rose by 0.4% in September 2026. ONS highlights transport — particularly motor fuels — among the main drivers of the annual increase.
These are UK-wide figures, not Hammersmith-only. Local energy unit rates still sit under the Ofgem energy price cap, which Ofgem reviews every three months; check the current cap tables for your region rather than relying on a headline typical bill that can change between periods.
For help with heating and low-income costs this winter, see our companion briefing on Winter Fuel Payment, Pension Credit and the Warm Home Discount.