17 Dec 2025UK inflation fell by more than expected in November amid a slowdown in food prices, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Lower food prices were the main driver of the fall, 'with decreases seen particularly for cakes, biscuits, and breakfast cereals', the ONS said. Other items that also pushed down inflation included tobacco, restaurant meals, hotel stays, furniture and transport. Prices are still rising on average across the economy, but decreases in some between October and November, mean they are not rising as quickly as before. Stuart Morrison, Research Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said business would be cheered by the news. However, he added: 'While the Budget did not pile further tax rises on all firms their confidence remains low due to its lack of significant growth measures. 'The economy will continue to stutter unless business costs ease further, and firms are given the right tools to invest, recruit and trade. 'Businesses will want to see the government stepping up in 2026 to deliver real-world change including much trumpeted reforms on planning, regulation, skills and the EU reset.'