UK inflation unexpectedly remains at 3.8% for third month in a row

Annual September rate confounds forecasts of a rise, as pace of food price growth slows for first time since March

• Analysis: Signs of peak inflation open door to earlier Bank of England interest rate cuts

UK inflation was unchanged last month at 3.8%, confounding expectations of a rise, in welcome news for the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, as she plans for her crucial budget next month.

The Office for National Statistics said that inflation measured on the consumer prices index remained at the same level in September as in August and July.