The RPI and CPI don't provided the same figures for inflation as they have different baskets of good and are calculated in a different way.
This may not seem that important but government benefits, pensions and some investments are linked to one index or the other. When one is constantly higher than the other this means the gap between the various benefits and pensions widen.
Also some may say that the government wants the RPI to be lower so they can save money on those payments based on RPI.
So if the RPI is adjusted it may do some groups harm. Pensioners and pension funds among them.
The ONS are consulting on the need for change, but not many people are likely to respond. According to research very few people understand inflation let alone the complexities of how it is calculated. It may be that people with a lot to lose stay silent.
Rest assured I will be adding my voice to the consultation, but I'd like the use of geometric means in RPI which will cause the reported figure to fall a little.
The article on this raises important points and helps you to better understand how inflation is measured.
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