Inflation United Kingdom 1996
Average inflation: 2.9%
Inflation in 1996
Inflation is normal at 2.9%, around the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in November at 3.1%. The lowest inflation was in July at 2.7%.
- Highest month
- November: 3.1%
- Lowest month
- July: 2.7%
- Difference
- 0.4 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics with an average of 4.6%. The lowest price increase was in Clothing and footwear with an average of -3.3%.
- Highest increase
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics: 4.6%
- Lowest increase
- Clothing and footwear: -3.3%
Historical Context
Inflation is around the 5-year average of 3.0%.
- 5-year average
- 3%
- 10-year average
- 4.5%
- All-time high (1980)
- 18.1%
- All-time low (1994)
- 2.2%
Trend
Over the period 1994-1996, inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1995, inflation has risen by 0.2 percentage points.
- Change vs. previous year
- +0.2 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- February: +0.7 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 0.9 percentage points above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this inflation rate, purchasing power noticeably decreases. Without a salary increase, you can buy less with the same money.
What you could buy for £100 this year will cost approximately £102.90 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1996
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1995 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2.9% | +0.5 |
| February | 3.0% | +0.7 |
| March | 3.0% | +0.6 |
| April | 2.8% | +0.5 |
| May | 2.8% | +0.2 |
| June | 2.8% | +0.1 |
| July | 2.7% | -0.1 |
| August | 2.7% | 0.0 |
| September | 2.7% | -0.3 |
| October | 3.0% | 0.0 |
| November | 3.1% | +0.2 |
| December | 2.8% | -0.3 |
| Average | 2.9% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 13/01/2026.