The rate of inflation eased back by more than expected in February, according to official figures released ahead of a predicted leap in the pace of price growth.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the rolling annual rate for the consumer prices index measure stood at 2.8%, slowing from 3% the previous month.

ONS chief economist Grant Fitzner said of the shift: “Clothing prices, particularly for women’s clothing, was the biggest driver of this month’s fall.

“This was only partially offset by small increases, for example, from alcoholic drinks.”

Money latest: Why the inflation data matters to you

Economists had expected a largely flat picture for the overall pace of price growth last month but warn that it is expected to leap markedly in April when households face inflation-busting increases to many bills.

They include those for energy, unless you are on a fixed rate tariff, water and council tax.

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