The SNP has accused Andy Burnham of failing families after new data showed food prices have risen almost 40% in six years, with the Bank of England forecasting that food inflation will reach around 5% next year.
Food prices up 39.6% in six years
Analysis by the House of Commons Library, commissioned by the SNP, revealed that the average price of food and non-alcoholic drinks in the UK rose by 39.6% in the six years from September 2020 to September 2026. This marks a sharp increase compared with the previous six years, when prices rose by just 1.57%.
The data shows that average weekly household spending on food and non-alcoholic drinks was £63.70 in 2019/20, rising to £73.70 by 2024/25, an increase of £520 a year.
Specific food items see sharp price rises
Since 2025, several specific food items have increased in price. A 1kg pack of minced beef rose by 22%, from £8.92 in January 2025 to £10.87 in September this year. A 300g pack of fish fingers and other breaded fish increased by 21%, from £2.63 to £3.19, while fresh fish rose by 33%, with a kilogramme of cod increasing from £19.09 to £25.56 in 18 months.
SNP leader criticises Labour Government
SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan said basic essentials are becoming increasingly unaffordable. He 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.
“Brexit Britain is broken and the basic essentials of everyday living are becoming increasingly unaffordable for most people, but the Labour Government is sitting on its hands doing next to nothing to help.
“People used to warn hard-pressed households were having to choose between heating and eating, but with the price of food up 40% 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.”
Mr Doogan continued: “The truth is 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, just to get by.
“The Labour Government must get its head out of the sand and bring forward a meaningful package of emergency support for households this winter.
“For Scotland, this isn’t as good as it gets. Families in energy-rich Scotland should not be paying some of the highest prices in Europe. Scotland needs independence so we can use our energy wealth to lower bills and build a better future.”
Government response
A UK Government spokesperson said: “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.”
