UK inflation: Consumer Prices Index release dates

UK inflation has been rising for much of this year, but held steady at 3.8% in August. It means prices are rising at almost double the Bank of England’s target rate of 2%.

The next Consumer Prices Index (CPI) report will be published on Wednesday, 22 October, covering the month of September.

A further increase is expected in that report, with inflation forecast to peak at 4%. After that, the Bank of England thinks price pressures will gradually ease, with CPI finally returning to target by the second quarter of 2027.

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Given the inflation outlook, economists are divided on when further interest rate cuts will take place. Some still think we could see one more this year, but most now believe the Bank of England will hold off until 2026 given the persistence of inflation.

Next UK inflation figures

In the UK, the main measure of inflation is CPI. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) releases this once a month. Each reading covers the previous month.

Remaining CPI release dates for 2025

• 22 October (covering September)
• 19 November (covering October)
• 17 December (covering November)
• 21 January 2026 (covering December)

What time is CPI released in the UK? 

The ONS releases the latest CPI data at 7.00am once a month. You can access the data by going onto the ONS website and clicking on its release calendar. All published and upcoming releases are listed there. The report will be titled, “Consumer price inflation, UK”, followed by the month and year in question.

MoneyWeek regularly reports on the latest inflation data and what it means for you.

What is CPI and how is it calculated?

As introduced previously, CPI is the main measure of inflation used in the UK. It tells you how fast the cost of living is increasing (or decreasing).

It is calculated using a typical basket of household goods and services – from eggs, flour and milk to hotel costs, restaurants and air fryers – and tracking how their prices change.

The CPI basket of goods is adjusted once a year to reflect current trends in consumption. For example, VR headsets and yoga mats were added to the basket in 2025, while oven-ready gammon joints and DVD rentals were removed.

The Bank of England keeps a close eye on CPI when setting interest rates. If inflation is too high, the Bank raises interest rates to slow consumer spending and cool the economy.

This works in bringing prices down because households have less money to spend when mortgage rates are high and debts are more expensive to repay.

Meanwhile, if inflation is too low, the Bank may reduce interest rates so consumers have more disposable income to spend. Due to the laws of supply and demand, this pushes prices back up.

For more information on the future of inflation, read our article on the UK inflation forecast.