1.   Recent events have not changed the picture, with the welcome fall in the headline rate of inflation last month balanced by a further slight fall in sterling.

2.   Higher oil prices certainly push up the headline inflation rate.

3.   The decline in the headline rate is linked to the third consecutive decline in wholesale energy costs, the department said.

4.   This shows how customers must fight being swayed by headline advertising rates and consider the initial connection fee, monthly charge, call charges, insurance and default charges.

5.   The headline rate of inflation, which includes mortgage interest payments, also rose in January.

6.   The rise in the headline rate of inflation was mainly due to increased housing costs and from a rise in food prices, the ONS said.

7.   The ONS said that the fall in the headline rate of inflation reflected cheaper food prices, both seasonal and non-seasonal foods, and motoring costs.

8.   The prudent chancellor shaved a mere penny off the headline income tax rate.