The Scottish Government is determined to bring forward legislation to curb the price of essential items by introducing price cap on some essential food items as UK government ruledd out bringing such a move.
Speaking after meeting with families in Edinburgh, Scottish First Minister John Swinney stated that he was clear that the cost of living had been “probably the most significant issue” in the campaign.
Swinney declared that he will be “taking forward the preparation of legislation to put in place a price cap on a limited number of items that are essential for a nutritional shop for families”.
He stated: “I really welcome the fact that in the measures the Chancellor is outlining there is an indication of some measures to tackle that same issue.
“I think that opens up the possibility of co-operation with the United Kingdom Government to make sure we can deliver that practical support to ease the cost of the weekly shop for families, so they can have access to nutritional food items.”
He said it is a “welcome step that the UK Government is contemplating actions in relation to the weekly shop”, adding this “recognises the problem I am concerned about which is the cost of a nutritional shop for families.
“If we’ve got agreement about the problem, I hope there is an opportunity for us to work together to find a solution.
“That certainly is how I will approach this to try to find a way in which we can implement the legislative proposals I set out so we can provide the practical support to families in Scotland today.”
Earlier this week, FT reported that supermarkets are being urged to consider bringing price caps on essential items. A day later, the government ruled out any such possibility amid sharp back lash from retailers and supermarkets.
“The specific idea of government imposed or mandated price caps isn’t something that we are considering, but as you would expect, we are continuing to have constructive conversations with supermarkets on how we can work together to reduce cost pressures on households," a spokesperson for Starmer said.