What do rising interest rates mean for you? Bank increases rates to 1.25% | Personal Finance | Finance

The Bank of England (BoE) announced it had increased interest rates from one percent to 1.25 percent on Thursday. Its decision marks the fifth consecutive time the bank has chosen to swell rates, as it attempts to tackle record levels of inflation. Experts have warned further rises could yet come before the end of 2022.

The latest push on interest rates matches the level that was last seen in 2009.

At that point the BoE was in the process of cutting rates to historic lows, as the global financial crisis took effect.

Since December 2021, the BoE has increased interest rates five times, from an initial starting point of 0.1 percent.

The news comes after it was announced the UK’s consumer price index measure of inflation had grown by 7.8 percent in the 12 months to April.

READ MORE: ‘Strong impact on savers!’ Bank of England raises interest rates

From month to month, you may not notice price rises. But right now, prices are rising so quickly that average pay is not keeping up.

When inflation is low, consumers have more spending power, and the exact opposite is true when inflation rates are high.

Inflation is primarily being pushed high because of the rising global price of energy.

From the start of April, the energy price cap grew by 54 percent, adding an average £700 to yearly energy bills for Britons.

Petrol prices have similarly soared in recent months, compounding issues for UK residents.

Last week the price of filling up a typical 55 litre family car broke the £100 barrier for the first time.

And now experts have warned costs could reach beyond £105 before the end of June.

The removal of most global Covid restrictions and the Russian invasion of Ukraine has helped to create the issues for motorists.