Rail passengers in England will face average rises of 3.1% on fares next month, rather than the 4.1% hike which had been expected, Chancellor George Osborne revealed in today's Autumn Statement.
Inflation rose last month as rising petrol prices and less generous discounts from fashion retailers intensified pressure on households, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) has said.
Angry T-Mobile users hit by price hikes are launching a fight to escape their contracts penalty-free, citing a mix-up by the mobile giant. However, regulator Ofcom has put a dampener on the idea.