Cost of living continues to bite as inflation rises to 5.5%

Published  16 February 2022
   3 min read

The latest ONS figures show inflation rising to 5.5% in January 2022, up from 5.4% in December 2021. Commenting on today’s figures, Sarah Pennells, Consumer Finance Specialist at Royal London says:

"The first inflation figures of 2022 show why this is going to be the year of the squeeze. Price rises are already starting to bite, and these inflation figures don’t include the sharp rise in the energy price cap, taking effect from April. As inflation rises, the cost of living continues to increase, with many households feeling an even tighter squeeze on their budgets.

“We know that an increasing number of people are worried about being able to afford their household bills and food costs and, sadly, today’s figures will do nothing to reassure them.

“For those on state benefits, the gap between inflation and September’s rate of 3.1%, used for uprating benefits in April is growing ever wider.

“Interest rates are now at 0.5%, and while interest rates on best buy easy access accounts have started to creep up, they’re nowhere near inflation rates. So, savers, especially those who rely on savings for their income, will see the value of their money eaten away by rises in the cost of living. Even those who lock their money away in five-year bonds will only earn a little over 2% if they’re with a best-buy provider.”

-ENDS-

 

Notes to Editors

* Fixed Rate Bonds Best Buys | Find the best rate. Keep the best rate 

To arrange an interview with Sarah Pennells please contact pressoffice@royallondon.com

 

For further information please contact:

Neil Cameron, PR Manager

About Royal London

Royal London is the largest mutual life insurance, pensions and investment company in the UK, with assets under management of £153 billion, 8.8 million policies in force and 4,075 employees. Figures quoted are as at 30 June 2021.