Inflation in the UK unexpectedly fell to 1.7% in September, the lowest rate in three and a half years.

Lower airfares and gasoline prices were the main drivers behind the unexpected slowdown, official figures showed.

This means inflation - the prices rates rise over time - is now below the Bank of England's 2% target, paving the way for further interest rate cuts next month.

The September figure is usually used to determine how much benefits, such as Universal Credit, increase next April.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said petrol and diesel prices were significantly lower, falling by 10.4% in September compared to the same month a year earlier.

The cost of domestic, European and long-haul fares also dragged down the rate of inflation. Rates normally fall after the summer rush, but they fell more than usual.

However, households were hit by a rise in the pace of food and soft drink prices, with costs rising for milk, cheese, eggs, soft drinks and fruit.

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Darren Jones, said the fall in the pace of price growth across the board would be "welcome news for millions of households".

"However, there is still more to do to protect working people, which is why we are focused on returning growth and restoring economic stability to deliver on the promise of change," he added.

The surprise drop in the UK's inflation rate comes ahead of this month's budget, with chancellor Rachel Reeves looking to make tax increases and spending cuts worth £40bn./BBC/