UK Inflation Hits 3.1% as Fuel Prices Drive Rise

The UK's inflation rate has risen to 3.1%, according to official figures from the Office for National Statistics.

This increase is a blow to households already struggling with the cost of living, and will pile more pressure on household budgets.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Chancellor John Healey have pledged to keep costs down for households, but rising inflation means prices are going up faster than they were the month before.

The increase in fuel prices is largely responsible for this rise in inflation, which has been driven by higher fuel costs due to disruptions in the Middle East.