John Swinney has pledged that legislation to cap the prices of essential food items will be passed by the end of this year if the SNP wins the election on May 7. The First Minister aims to use public health powers to set a maximum price on up to 50 food items, as part of efforts to address the cost of living crisis.
Speaking at the STUC Congress in Dundee, Swinney said he is 'not afraid to take on vested interests' and will convene a gathering of supermarkets, public health experts, poverty campaigners and farmers within days of forming the next government. Critics, including the UK Government, have questioned the policy, which could face legal challenges from retailers.
The timeline is ambitious given the required consultation with the retail industry and a parliamentary recess of over two months during the summer. Most legislation does not come into force immediately, and potential legal action could further delay implementation.
David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, argued that the best way to keep prices down is to support retailers and reduce public policy costs, stating that 'mandatory price controls and attempts to compel retailers to sell goods at a loss are not the answer.'
