The value of the pound has also slumped against the US dollar, prompting criticism of the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, over her handling of the economy and Budget tax rises.

Grant Fitzner, chief economist of the ONS, said while hotel prices had fallen last month, the price decreases were offset by the cost of fuel and second-hand cars rising.

Tobacco prices also increased by less than in December 2023, he added, which was a factor in the overall rate of inflation coming down.