John Swinney has expressed his willingness to collaborate with the UK Government to help reduce the weekly food shopping bill for families. The Scottish First Minister highlighted the potential for cooperation following Chancellor Rachel Reeves' announcement of measures to lower prices.
Chancellor's tariff suspension plan
Rachel Reeves has unveiled plans to suspend tariffs on certain food items, aiming to cut costs after recent price hikes linked to the Iran war. She expects supermarkets to pass these savings fully onto customers. However, the UK Government has distanced itself from reports of a voluntary price cap on essentials, with M&S boss Stuart Machin calling such a move "completely preposterous."
Scottish Government's legislative approach
The Scottish Government remains committed to introducing legislation to curb prices on essential items, a key pledge by Swinney during the recent Holyrood election. Speaking after meeting families in Edinburgh, Swinney noted that the cost of living was "probably the most significant issue" in the campaign. He stated, "I pledged we would take practical measures to support families."
Despite retailer concerns, Swinney confirmed he will "take 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 told the Press Association, "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."
Swinney added, "It is a welcome step that the UK Government is contemplating actions in relation to the weekly shop. This recognises the problem I am concerned about, which is the cost of a nutritional shop for families. If we have 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."
