Rail fares will rise by 3.2% next year, the Government has confirmed, in a hike that is certain to dismay long-suffering commuters already paying thousands of pounds for season tickets.

The increase will take effect from January and is below the 3.5% increase that had been predicted.

Ticket prices increased by 3.6% this year, the biggest jump for five years.

About 40% of fares will be affected, including season tickets on most commuter routes.

Many Kent commuters using High Speed trains are already paying a premium for season tickets and the fares are among the highest in Europe.

London TravelWatch chair Arthur Leathley said: "Passengers are confused, angry and now even worse off than ever. At a time of poor performance, this is an insult to long-suffering travellers who are not getting what they pay for.

"Passengers’ pockets are not as deep as the rail industry thinks. Government and the industry must simplify fares urgently and have fares that reflect the reality of performance."

The predicted 3.5% increase had been based on the expected rise in inflation measured against the Retail Price Index.

However, the July figure for RPI, which is used to set rail season ticket prices in Britain, stood at 3.2%, according to the Office for National Statistics said.

A current annual season ticket from Ashford International to London, including use of High Speed trains and the underground, is £7,148.

A 3.5% hike would have seen that increase by about £250 - meaning passengers face paying nearly £20 a day.

According to an analysis by the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) commuting from Gravesend in Kent to London on the high-speed Javelin service currently costs £5,828 for an annual season ticket - 18% of average annual earnings.

The issue of fares on south east services, currently provided by Southeastern, is politically sensitive, with a new franchise operator due to be announced this year.

A new timetable across the UK which was introduced in May led to chaos on many services although Southeastern suffered less disruption than many other operators.

In an unprecedented move last year, 11 Conservative MPs united to make a detailed submission to the government demanding the new franchise holder gives customers a far better service and an assurance of better ticket prices.

A Campaign for Better Transport spokesman said: "Given the mess surrounding the new timetable, the lack of improvements and the failure to deliver compensation, the Government cannot go on telling passengers that fare increases are justified."