First negative inflation since 1960

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Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the Retail Prices Index (RPI) measure of inflation fell to minus 0.4% last month, down from 0% in February, the first negative reading since March 1960.

The official Consumer Prices Index (CPI) measure also fell, from 3.2% in February to 2.9%.

The inflation figures were broadly in line with expectations and will reignite fears of a period of deflation for the UK as the effects of recession take hold of the economy.

While CPI remains above the Government's 2% target, negative RPI could have unwanted consequences for many households because it is used as a benchmark for private sector wage settlements.

It is also used as the basis for annual rises in State pension payments and other benefits, as well as annuity payments for private pensions and rates for index-linked savings.

RPI was pushed lower than the official measure because, unlike CPI, it includes housing costs and mortgage payments.

Its fall was attributed to the effects of deep interest rate cuts, which filtered through to lower mortgage payments, and plummeting house prices.

Last month's fall reflects February's cut in the cost of borrowing to 1%.

The Bank of England has since slashed interest rates further, to a record low of 0.5%.