Will bills continue to rise and what does it mean for Labour?

February’s dip in inflation was only a blip – the pain for consumers and the UK economy is poised to continue

The painful jump in household bills from Tuesday will push the UK’s poorest households further into poverty. The increase will also provide a further jolt to Labour ministers still reeling from a spring statement that prompted finger-jabbing accusations that their policies are Tory-lite.

The “squeezed middle”, put in the spotlight by energy secretary Ed Miliband when he was Labour leader, will also find that a recovery from the post-pandemic inflation shock has juddered to a halt.