Consumer Inflation Expectations in United Kingdom

A quarterly survey commissioned by the Bank of England from Ipsos to measure UK households' inflation expectations: their perception of current inflation and expectations one year ahead, in the following year and over the longer term (five years).

Surveys a representative sample of UK adults; the MEDIAN response to each question is published (perception of current inflation, expectations at 12 months, in the subsequent 12 months and five years ahead).

The Bank of England uses inflation expectations to help set monetary policy: anchored expectations make it easier to control prices, while rising expectations can foreshadow wage and price pressures and a more hawkish stance, supporting the pound.

Its quarterly frequency makes it less granular than monthly data. It measures households' perceptions and expectations rather than an objective market reading, and the sample can be affected by survey biases.