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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 May 2026. It was answered by Torsten Bell (Labour) on Thursday, 28 May 2026 on behalf of the Treasury.

Food: Prices

Question

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of rising food prices on household finances in the past 12 months.

Answer

The Government recognises that rising food prices can put pressure on household budgets, particularly for those on lower incomes. The Government monitors food price pressures through the Office for National Statistics’ inflation statistics and wider evidence on household spending.

In the 12 months to April 2026, food and non‑alcoholic beverage prices rose by 3.0% (CPIH), down from 3.7% in the 12 months to March. ONS analysis shows lower‑income households spend a larger share of their income on essentials such as food, energy and housing, meaning they can be more exposed to increases in these costs.

Reducing inflation is central to easing household cost pressures, and the Government is taking action to bear down on prices and support households.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
2700
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Households Food Income Inflation Prices
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk