The rate of inflation eased to 10.5%, according to official figures – down from 10.7% in November.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the reduced cost of motor fuels led to the decline in the core consumer prices index (CPI) measure of inflation along with cheaper clothing and footwear, and recreation and culture.
Pushing inflation up, the ONS added, were higher prices in restaurants and hotels, food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Today’s announcement is the latest signal that the UK might have seen the worst of inflation. The number is down from a 41-year high of 11.1% recorded in October