MORE FOOD FOR DOUGH

The price of food is rising at the slowest rate for 20 months.

Food price inflation nearly halved from 1.5% in September to 0.9% last month, according to the Office for National Statistics.

The slowdown offset a wave of energy price hikes as overall inflation held steady at 2.4% in October.

And it could begin to fall, with costs for firms easing last month.

Lower inflation makes it less likely the Bank of England will up its base rate soon which is good for borrowers but bad for savers.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Inflation is still eating up the lion’s share of pay growth. It’s not good enough — we need to get pay rising faster.”

Experts warn that much depends on what Brexit deal is finally struck.

Consultants Capital Economics said: “In the event of a no-deal Brexit, we would not be surprised if inflation surpassed 3% once again.”