Inflation dropped slightly to 7.4 per cent

Inflation dropped slightly last month, according to the latest figures from the government.

The Cabinet Office says the consumer prices index stood at 7.4 per cent in December, down from 7.9 per cent in November.

Statistics show the largest rises over the past 12 months have been in fuels - with gas up almost 61 per cent, oil rising by just over 57 per cent and coal and solid fuels up more than 36 per cent.

Also sharply up over the year is the price of food, which rose by more than 13 per cent.