More warnings about UK finance, plus Hurricane Ian hits Cuba

Meanwhile, Hurricane Ian has caused widespread damage in Cuba and is now on its way to Florida, while new research finds half-term flight prices are on the rise.

Here are the main national headlines news affecting travel on Wednesday 28 September.

IMF urges UK to reverse tax cuts

The International Monetary Fund has taken the unusual step of criticising the UK government’s mini-Budget. The IMF said that given inflation pressures in the UK, “we do not recommend large and untargeted fiscal packages at this juncture,” adding: “Furthermore, the nature of the UK measures will likely increase inequality.” (BBC News)

Food costs rocket by 10%

Shoppers are paying a record 10.6% more for food than they were a year ago, figures show. Overall shop price inflation accelerated to 5.7% in September, up from 5.1% in August, in another record since the British Retail Consortium-Nielson IQ index began in 2005. (Sky News)

“Significant” interest rate rises to come

The Bank of England’s chief economist has said the government’s mini-budget will require "a significant monetary policy response". Huw Pill said it was “hard not to draw the conclusion”. (Sky News)

Hurricane leaves Cuba without electricity

Hurricane Ian has knocked out power across all of Cuba, leaving 11 million people without electricity, after it slammed into the island’s western tip. The Category 3 storm devastated Pinar del Rio province. (Sky News)

Half-term flight costs soar

Half-term flights are 42% more expensive on average than before the pandemic, according to new analysis. Which? said a typical one-way ticket for the week-long school holiday in October booked six months, three months and six weeks in advance was £212, compared with £150 in 2019. (Sky News)