Inflation rises slightly to 1.9 percent

Inflation edged up 0.1 percent to 1.9 percent in December, according to government figures released today.

The rise in the underlying inflation rate, which excludes mortgage interest payments, was largely due to increased food prices, the Office for National Statistics said.

The rate including mortgage interest payments fell 0.2 percent to 0.7 percent, its lowest level since the early 1960s and well below the target of 2.5 percent set by Treasury chief Gordon Brown.

The drop reflected interest rate cuts made by the Bank of England to steady the economy after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

As recently as August, the underlying rate of inflation rose to a two­year high of 2.6 percent, but fell back to 2.3 percent in September.

The Office for National Statistics said many seasonal foods were more expensive this December, and there had been increases in the prices of other products, including soft drinks and some meats.

Some clothing and footwear also was more expensive this December, the Office for National Statistics said.