Food inflation in the UK is forecast to rise by another 5.7% before the end of 2025, according to the Food and Drink Federation, piling more pressure on household budgets already stretched by years of rising costs.
This would come on top of a 37% increase in the cost of food and non-alcoholic drinks since January 2020, making it one of the most prolonged periods of price growth in recent decades.
The FDF has pointed to policy changes under the new UK Labour government, including increases in employers’ National Insurance contributions as adding further strain on supply chains already hit by energy spikes and long-term cost pressures.
In Scotland, families continue to benefit from lower average council tax bills, water charges, and public transport costs compared to other parts of the UK.
South Scotland MSP Emma Harper said the impact of rising prices is being felt in homes and businesses across the country.
“Westminster has delivered more than a decade of soaring bills and stagnating household income, and it’s getting worse under Labour,” she said.
“Whether it’s harmful tax rises or broken promises to bring down energy bills, Scots be that businesses or families are paying the price.”
She added that measures such as scrapping peak rail fares, maintaining free prescriptions and university tuition, and expanding social security support have helped ease the burden.
Harper also pointed to ongoing support for Scottish farmers facing the fallout of Brexit, including schemes that promote sustainable food production.
“We’re doing what we can with limited powers to help keep the cost of living down, but there’s no doubt that more could be done with greater control,” she said.
