Rail fares will increase by an average of 2.2% in the new year as commuters face a post-Christmas hike.

However, the average rise is the lowest for five years, and is linked to July's measure of Retail Price inflation (RPI), the rail industry has said.

The price hike will mainly affect season ticket and off-peak fares and from January 2, the cost of a Norwich to London season ticket will have risen by £1,452 or 23% since 2010. Responding to the announcement, Jess Asato, Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for Norwich North, said: 'The Conservatives in Westminster crow about what a great deal East Anglia is getting on rail, but ordinary commuters know that they will continue to be hit where it hurts – in their pockets – until someone gets a grip on fare increases.'

Lillian Greenwood MP, Labour's shadow rail minister, added: 'Out-of-touch ministers might talk about 'comfortable commuting', but passengers on the morning commute know the reality of this government's incompetence.'

Responding to these claims, Chloe Smith, Conservative MP for Norwich North, said: 'Passengers care very much about the fares they pay. That's why the government has acted to control rises. This is the lowest rise in five years and actually a freeze in real terms when you account for inflation.

'Passengers in Norwich can look ahead to improvements coming year on year now thanks to the big win we got this week, where we finally secured the investment in our mainline which we deserve.'

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