I'm penning this month's column as the latest inflation figures are published, showing an unexpected fall from August's 40-year high.

On the back of lower petrol prices, the Office for National Statistics has revealed consumer price inflation fell to 9.9% last month, down from 10.1% in July. While undoubtedly welcome news, the fall offers little comfort to millions of families who are facing the winter ahead with a growing sense of trepidation. Further inflationary pressures are a given.