UK inflation drops to 1.7%

The UK's headline inflation rate dropped to 1.7% in February, its lowest level since late 2009.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the Consumer Prices Index inflation rate had dropped from 1.9% in January, as a combination of cheaper petrol and clothing pushed the rate down. The ONS said: "The largest contribution to the fall in the rate came from transport (principally motor fuels) with other smaller effects from the housing & household services and clothing & footwear sectors." It added CPIH came in at 1.6%, down from 1.8% in January, while RPIJ fell to 2%, from 2.1%. RPI - which is no longer a national statistic, also fell from 2.8% to 2.7%. The fall leaves C...