Inflation United Kingdom 1970

Average inflation: 6.4%

Current Inflation

Inflation is very high at 6.4%, far above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in November at 7.9%. The lowest inflation was in February at 4.9%.

Highest month
November: 7.9%
Lowest month
February: 4.9%
Difference
3.0 percentage points
Months with data
12 of 12

Category Insights

The highest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 9.8%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 9.8%.

Highest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 9.8%
Lowest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 9.8%

Historical Context

Current inflation is 1.8% higher than the 5-year average of 4.6%. This approaches the highest level since records began (6.4% in 1970).

5-year average
4.6%
10-year average
4.1%
All-time high (1970)
6.4%
All-time low (1959)
0.6%

Trend

Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1969, inflation has risen by +0.9 percentage point.

Change vs. previous year
+0.9 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
December: +3.2 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 4.4% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.

Purchasing Power

At this high inflation rate, purchasing power rapidly decreases. This has a major impact on households, especially without adequate salary increases.

What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €106.40 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 1970

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
9.8%
+3.4vs avg.
More details →

Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 1969
January 5.0% -1.2
February 4.9% -1.3
March 5.1% -1.2
April 5.6% +0.1
May 6.1% +0.8
June 5.9% +0.6
July 6.7% +1.4
August 6.8% +1.9
September 7.0% +1.9
October 7.4% +2.0
November 7.9% +2.5
December 7.9% +3.2
Average 6.4%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.

See also