This is once again the highest the figure has been for 40 years.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has confirmed today that UK inflation has risen to 9.4% amid the rising cost of living crisis, reports The Manc.
The data released by the ONS for June today is higher than the 9.3% previously-predicted by economists, and comes after the UK annual inflation rate first broke the 40-year record by hitting 9% back in April, before rising again to 9.1% in May - officially making it the ninth month in a row that the rate has risen.
The ONS said that June's inflation figure was in part due to a 42% year-on-year increase in petrol prices, and an increase of almost 10% in food prices, while overall transport costs were also said to be one of the main culprits.
On top of that, prices paid by factories for materials and energy were 24% higher in June than a year earlier, which is the biggest increase since records all the way back began in 1985, and prices charged by factories jumped by 16.5% in June too.
The ONS has confirmed that the UK inflation has risen to 9.4% amid the rising cost of living crisis / Credit: Aldi UK
The Bank of England is expecting a further acceleration beyond 11% in October.
This rise is expected when the energy price cap is to be adjusted yet again, and is predicted to surge towards average annual bills above £3,000.
Speaking on the latest rise of the inflation rate, Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi said: "Countries around the world are battling higher prices and I know how difficult that is for people right here in the UK, so we are working alongside the Bank of England to bear down on inflation.
"We’ve introduced £37 billion worth of help for households, including at least £1,200 for eight million of the most vulnerable families and lifting over two million more of the lowest paid out of paying personal tax."
The government's handling of the cost of living crisis as a whole has been heavily critiqued.
This is the the ninth month in a row that the inflation rate has risen / Credit: Aldi UK
In response to the Chancellor's comments on the rising inflation rate today, and referencing the government's handling of the cost of living crisis, Labour's Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "The cost of living crisis is leaving families more worried every day, but all we get from the Tories is chaos, distraction and unfunded fantasy economics.
"Rising inflation may be pushing family finances to the brink, but the low wage spiral facing so many in Britain isn't new. It's the result of a decade of Tory mismanagement of our economy, meaning living standards and real wages have failed to grow.
"We need more than sticking plasters to get us back on course - we need a stronger, and more secure economy."
The beautiful spa town of Ilkley has been crowned the best place to live in the north of England by The Sunday Times.
The results are in, and our very own Ilkley has taken the top spot for the north and north-east category.
The list posted but the Sunday Times every year, features 72 locations across the UK that they deem are the best spots to settle down in.
Judges visited each location to take in the atmosphere, explore the history and chat to the locals to find out what made each place so special.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
It's not the first time the wonderful spa town of Ilkley has been praised, having been the national winner back in 2022 it's no stranger to taking home the trophy.
The judging panel said about Ilkley: “It’s not just the fresh air, fantastic scenery, excellent schools and direct trains to Leeds that make Ilkley this year’s pick of the north and northeast. It’s the get-up and go of a community that tackles every challenge with gusto.”
"It's hard to imagine anywhere with more opportunities for youngsters."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Also getting a mention in the regional category was Horsforth, which was recommended for its transport links, brilliant local schools and thriving social scene.
The guide said: "The city is Yorkshire's economic powerhouse - but for something a bit greener, a bit more family friendly, it's hard to better Horsforth's streets of sandstone houses."
Elsewhere up north, Sheffield got a special shoutout where the judges said: "Burgeoning creative industries and judicious regeneration are igniting interest in previously overlooked postcodes ... Hipsters and happy families alike are celebrating, welcoming, embracing, loving this city-wide vibe."
So if you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre, then why not hop on a train and visit the best place to live up north and see for yourselves what the fuss is all about.
The Queen’s Hotel in Leeds named one of the best places to stay in the UK
Danny Jones
One Leeds' pride and joys is getting some well-deserved recognition as The Queen's Hotel has been named of the best places to stay in the UK.
Located right in the heart of the city centre, The Queen's Hotel is about as beautiful a building as they come in Leeds, with its pristine white walls and art deco design making it one of the most stunning structures we have to our name.
It's as synonymous with the cityscape as the Town Hall, Corn Exchange, Kirkstall and Kirkgate, as well as the train station for which the flagship hotel was built.
We couldn't be prouder to call it our own the only thing we'll argue on is that it should be further up the rankings.
The Sunday Times’ '100 Best Places to Stay in the UK' is compiled by a team of experienced reviewers, who narrow down hundreds of stays into the definitive guide of the best accommodation around the UK.
Hotels are judged on several factors, including design, facilities, and value for money, plus dining and service.
Speaking on the Leeds icon, specifically, the Times wrote: "Big, bold and stately, the Queens holds court over the centre of Leeds like the grande dame she was intended to be when built in 1937.
"Back then, with her art deco lines, pearly-grey stone façade, polished wood and mirrored interiors, she was the place to stay. Fast-forward several decades and an expensive buff and shine has brought her zipping into the 21st century without losing an iota of old-world glamour.
"With sleek, airy bedrooms, a sophisticated cocktail bar and sultry circular restaurant, she’s an ideal base for hitting the city’s cultural hotspots, boutique shops and great places to eat."
You can read their full review of the Grade II-listed legend HERE.
There were a fair few other successes for Yorkshire and the North as a whole this year beyond just The Queen's Hotel's achievement on its own.
The Angel at Hetton and Saltmoore in North Yorkshire picked up 'North and northeast England hotel of the year' as well as 'Best beach hotel', respectively; plus, Jöro at Oughtibridge Mill in Sheffield received plaudits among many other Northern nods.
With the Times also naming Leeds in general as one of the coolest places to live, so much for that whole 'grim up North' nonsense, eh?
The Hoot -
20th July 2022 
