SNP pledges to cap bread and milk prices if it wins Scotland's parliamentary elections

"John Swinney pledged to use devolved public health powers to fix prices on essential items, stating that rising costs are impacting the nation's nutrition. This includes staples like bread, milk, cheese, and chicken."

"Retailers dismissed the price cap proposal as a 'potty gimmick,' arguing that it could breach the Scotland Act of 1998 and create competitive disadvantages for smaller shops."

"Ewan MacDonald-Russell from the Scottish Retail Consortium highlighted that supermarkets already face higher rates in Scotland, suggesting that public policy should focus on reducing retailers' costs instead of implementing price controls."

"Swinney also announced a £2 cap on bus fares for any journey in Scotland, which the party estimates will cost £210 million by 2032, while rejecting a similar proposal for universal free bus travel."

The SNP aims to cap prices on essential goods like bread and milk to combat the cost of living crisis. John Swinney emphasized the importance of nutrition and public health in this election. The proposal includes fixing prices on 20 to 50 items, which has faced criticism from retailers who argue it may breach the Scotland Act of 1998. Concerns were raised about the impact on smaller shops and farmers. Additional measures include a £2 cap on bus fares, costing £210 million by 2032, while the SNP rejected a proposal for universal free bus travel.

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