Inflation United Kingdom 1971
Average inflation: 9.4%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 9.4%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in June at 10.3%. The lowest inflation was in January at 8.5%.
- Highest month
- June: 10.3%
- Lowest month
- January: 8.5%
- Difference
- 1.8 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 11.4%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 11.4%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 11.4%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 11.4%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 3.7% higher than the 5-year average of 5.7%. This approaches the highest level since records began (9.4% in 1971).
- 5-year average
- 5.7%
- 10-year average
- 4.7%
- All-time high (1971)
- 9.4%
- All-time low (1959)
- 0.6%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1970, inflation has risen by +3.0 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +3.0 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- June: +4.4 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 7.4% 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 €109.40 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1971
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1970 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8.5% | +3.5 |
| February | 8.5% | +3.6 |
| March | 8.8% | +3.7 |
| April | 9.4% | +3.8 |
| May | 9.8% | +3.7 |
| June | 10.3% | +4.4 |
| July | 10.1% | +3.4 |
| August | 10.3% | +3.5 |
| September | 9.9% | +2.9 |
| October | 9.4% | +2.0 |
| November | 9.2% | +1.3 |
| December | 9.0% | +1.1 |
| Average | 9.4% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 17/12/2025.