Warning issued as UK households find shopping increasingly expensive'

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"Shop price inflation has sharply risen to 1.4 per cent, with global factors, higher national insurance, and escalating wage costs now directly affecting consumer prices - as one industry figure warns households are finding shopping increasingly expensive. This significant jump from August's 0.9 per cent was primarily fuelled by rising non-food prices, even as food inflation held steady at 4.2 per cent, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC)-NIQ Shop Price Monitor."

"While non-food items remain 0.1 per cent cheaper year-on-year, this marks a significant shift from August, when they were 0.8 per cent lower. DIY and gardening sectors saw price rises, contrasting with promotions on electricals like laptops in some back-to-school categories. Food price inflation, meanwhile, held steady at 4.2 per cent, breaking a seven-month streak of rises. Yet, the BRC highlighted ongoing pressure on farmers, especially cattle rearers, from escalating labour and energy costs, keeping dairy and beef prices high."

The Independent solicits donations to fund on-the-ground reporting and to keep content free without paywalls. Donor support enables journalists to investigate topics from reproductive rights to climate change and Big Tech, and to produce documentaries like 'The A Word' about American women fighting for reproductive rights. Shop price inflation rose to 1.4%, up from 0.9% in August, driven by non-food price increases despite food inflation holding at 4.2%. Non-food items moved from 0.8% cheaper year-on-year to 0.1% cheaper. DIY and gardening prices rose; electricals saw promotions. Farmers face rising labour and energy costs, keeping dairy and beef prices high.

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