Burnham ‘failing families’ on soaring food costs, says SNP

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Analysis commissioned by the SNP from the House of Common Library suggests that while food price inflation sat at just 1.57 per cent between 2014 and 2020, between September 2020 and September 2026, prices leapt by a staggering 39.6 per cent.

The rate stands higher than the 32.1 per cent CPI measure of inflation over the same period, as households already struggling with soaring energy bills saw the cost of their average weekly shop jump from £63.70 in 2019/20 to £73.70 in 2024/25, equating to an extra £520 a year.

Taking a swipe at the Prime Minister, who took office in July, SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan said: “Andy Burnham promised he would cut the cost of living but on his watch every major household bill has increased, leaving many families thousands of pounds worse off.”

Pointing to a 33 per cent rise in the price of fish and a 22 per cent rise in the cost of mince over last 18 months alone, Mr Doogan warned: “People used to warn hard-pressed households were having to choose between heating and eating.

“But with the price of food up 40 per cent and energy bills set to be around £1,200 higher than the Labour Party promised this winter, many families are now struggling to afford either.

“Andy Burnham is failing families and breaking his promises. 

“He promised radical change but has presided over soaring prices and declining living standards, forcing families to cut back, or even skip meals.

“The Labour government must get its head out of the sand and bring forward a meaningful package of emergency support for households this winter.”

A UK government spokesperson responded: “We know many households are still feeling the pressure of the cost of living, which is why we are taking action to keep prices down.

“This Budget provided breathing space through £100 of energy support for millions of households, continued support for motorists through the fuel duty freeze, and reduced tariffs on everyday essentials.

“Food security is national security, and we are working with farmers, food producers and retailers to strengthen the UK’s resilience.”

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