FISHERIES MINISTER’ SOS: ENSURE YOU DON’T LOSE YOUR LOCAL CHIPPY
A TORY Minister has issued a rallying call to arms to Brits to save their local chippy. Mark Spencer, a Minister in the Department Fisheries, Food and Agriculture, made the plea amid growing concern about the future of many takeaways.
The cost-of-living crisis, coupled with a rise in the price of fish is leading to many struggling to stay afloat.
Speaking to GB News, Mr Spencer said chippies were facing the same pressures as other shops on the High Street.
He told Gloria De Piero: “You can make the same argument about the High Street as well. You know it’s not just fish and chip shops, there are lots of those shops that are under pressure.
“Now the fundamental answer, the direct answer is you’ve got to use them otherwise you’ll lose them. If you don’t use your fish and chip shop it will disappear because it won’t have the trade to be able to continue. You know, I would say to people, ‘Use your fish and chip shop because it’s a great British tradition. And just take a few mushy peas on the side as well’.”
His comments come months after a report claimed half of Britain’s 10,500 fish and chip shops could close due to rocketing costs.As many as 5,000 face being battered by crippling tariffs and the soaring prices of ingredients, government figures reveal.
The combination means the price of a fish and chip supper could rise from an average £8.50 to £11.50.
And hake and other types of white fish could replace traditional cod and haddock shipped in from overseas.
The latest blow came last week when ministers pressed ahead with a 35 per cent tariff on all seafood imported from Russia in a bid to hammer President Vladimir Putin over his invasion of Ukraine.
Around a third of all UK-imported white fish comes from Russia which controls up to 45 per cent of the global supply.
Lancashire chip shop owner Andrew Crook, of the National Federation of Fish Friers, said his cod supplies have already risen from £8 to £14 a kilo.He warned: “These extra tariffs will push thousands of shops over the edge.”
Barrie Deas, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said: “Costs will go up — but there is a big opportunity to increase North Sea catches such as haddock and whiting.”
Money may be available to help get through the cost of living crisis
People are being encouraged to check they are not missing out on money and to find out if they could be eligible for any of the 12 benefits administered by Social Security Scotland. Seven of these are only available in Scotland.
The benefits which have been introduced over the past four years are available to people on low incomes responsible for children under 16, for people who need help paying for a funeral, disabled people, carers, young people entering the workplace and to help heat their homes.
Four of these payments are made automatically to people who get other qualifying benefits. To make sure people are maximising their income they should check what DWP benefits they could be eligible for too.
Payments made automatically include Carer’s Allowance Supplement and Child Winter Heating Payment as well as Best Start Grant Early Learning Payment and Best Start Grant School Age Payment for those in receipt of Scottish Child Payment.
In addition, the new Winter Heating Payment will be paid automatically to an expected 400,000 people across Scotland when it is introduced in February.
Minister for Social Security Ben Macpherson said: “January is traditionally a month where people find it harder financially than the rest of the year. This pressure can be more acute for people on low incomes or who face additional costs due to a disability or ill-health condition. The cost of living crisis also means that people are facing difficult financial decisions day in and day out.
“We are committed to making sure that people are getting all of the money that they are entitled to. That is why we are making payments automatically where we can. Where people need to apply, we are working hard to promote these payments and make the process of accessing them as straightforward as possible.
“Social Security Scotland works with partners and through advertising to promote our benefits and our next campaign will start this month to encourage parents and carers to apply for Scottish Child Payment.
“People can apply for all our benefits online, by phone, through the post or in person – whatever works best for them. We’ve designed the way we promote and deliver these benefits with the people who they are for to make sure that what we do works for them.
“We want people to talk with others they know about the support that is available. These payments are a shared investment in building a fairer society and no one should think twice about accessing what they are entitled to. Please look into what is available and apply if you think you could be eligible.”
Eligible families, and carers can find out more and apply for social security payments at scot/benefits or by calling Social Security Scotland free on 0800 182 2222
The Scottish Government’s Cost Of Living website provides information and support for people who need urgent help with money, food or fuel scot/costoflivingsupport
Shoppers are being advised to buy big if they want to avoid price hikes on eggs this winter – with the cost of very large eggs rising at a slower rate than medium ones.
Experts from price intelligence company Skuuudle have revealed new data which tracks the rising cost of eggs over the past five months.
A box of six medium eggs has risen by 14% while the same number of very large eggs has risen by only five percent according to the data.
In the comprehensive analysis of the price of eggs in the UK, 120 products sold across the seven major supermarkets have been forensically tracked over a five month period up until 5th December 2022.
With fresh food price inflation rising to 14.3% for the 12 months until November 2022 the price of a box of six medium eggs has risen by this figure in just the last five months.
Avian flu has disrupted the supply chain of some egg ranges, tightening supply of the most popular products and pushing the price up of sizes most in demand.
But savvy consumers can find better value on the shelves if they buy a box of six very large eggs rather than smaller sizes.
The data revealed that less popular egg products including the very large size and larger quantities of eggs rose by between five and seven percent whereas the more popular boxes of six large or medium rose by higher percentages.
This might also reflect a need for retailers to sell the most popular products for the highest prices relative to other variants.
Skuuudle generates market-leading data analytics to help retailers understand the markets they are operating in to continue to provide optimum prices for consumers – in the face of rising inflation.
This allows retailers to compare like for like products and accurately track changes in price of the same product across different retailers.
This level of insight is critical when accurately tracking the price of a product such as eggs that are in high demand but subject to supply shortages currently.
A Skuuudle spokesman said that retailers have an unenviable ‘balancing act’ to perform when it comes to pricing, having to consider the needs of the customer, their suppliers and the supply chain.
He said: “Egg shortages have been in the news recently with some supermarkets going as far as rationing the number individual customers can take home.
“These have largely been driven by supply chain issues which have also had an impact on the prices supermarkets are paying to their suppliers.
“What is interesting is how supermarkets are choosing to pass these increased costs onto ordinary consumers.
“Our data reveals that it’s the prices of the high volume products which are rising at the highest rate while variants such as very large eggs, are in effect becoming cheaper compared to medium-sized ones.
“By choosing very large eggs shoppers can avoid some of the price hike although as the cost of very large eggs is higher than medium anyway it may not feel like they are getting a bargain.”
1 million meals to UK charity The Bread and Butter Thing to benefit low income families
wagamama has launched an iconic veganuary dish with a special partnership allowing one million meals to be donated to low income families.
Guests at wagamama know that every veganuary they can expect new and exciting plant-based flavours to nourish them.
And this year is no exception as it launches a new vegan take on its much missed iconic kare lomen dish adding a veganuary flourish to the regular menu which is already more than 50 percent plant based. This will be launched alongside the new charity partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing.
The vegan ‘chicken’ kare lomen is udon noodles served in a nourishing bowl of coconut broth with a chilli kick, and topped with vegan teriyaki ‘chicken’, coriander, beansprouts and cucumber. It is a fresh, fragrant and warming bowl available in all wagamama restaurants and on Deliveroo for this veganuary only.
This year the delicious veganuary dish will be served up alongside a campaign of support initiatives to help nourish local communities across the country through a partnership with food charity The Bread and Butter Thing which supports thousands of families in over eighty locations.
Set up in 2016, The Bread and Butter Thing brings low-cost food to low-income communities. Those in need of support pay a fraction of the cost for food, which is sourced direct from manufacturers and retailers. It has over 40,000 members and redistributes to over 5,000 families a week who typically pay £7.50 for £35 worth of groceries.
The partnership with wagamama will involve projects in its restaurants and out in the community. Overall, it will see the restaurant chain provide support for The Bread and Butter Thing to deliver 1 million meals worth of food to low income families who use the charity to receive a more affordable weekly shop, at a time when the nation needs it more than ever.
wagamama has already supplied food and bespoke recipes cards to The Bread And Butter Thing and the £25,000 wagamama donation will pay for forty one truck journeys with each able to carry 426 tonnes of food with each tonne equating to 2380 meals. A grand total of just over a million meals.
Teaming up to champion The Bread and Butter Thing’s Warm Hub initiative, wagamama will also be providing warm and inclusive community spaces in selected restaurants – offering free sides to families facing difficult choices between heating and eating. While its team members will be volunteering to support local projects and its chefs will provide ‘wok it don’t waste it’ demos and advise on how to cook nourishing and affordable meals.
wagamama CEO, Thomas Heier, said: “At wagamama we believe in the Japanese philosophy of seijaku; finding calm and tranquillity in the midst of activity. In these challenging times it is important that we all continue to nourish ourselves and our communities.
“Typically, every veganuary we like to surprise and delight our guests with a plant-based showstopper, but we know this veganuary is a little bit different for families across the UK, so it is a privilege this year to support local communities through our newly launched partnership with The Bread and Butter Thing.”
Mark Game, CEO of The Bread and Butter Thing said: “We’re delighted to be entering this new partnership with wagamama. Its philosophy of nourishment chimes exactly with The Bread and Butter Thing’s work to ensure that people in low income communities can access healthy, nutritious food for their families.
“By providing both food and funding to support the unseen but vital logistics that go into making The Bread and Butter Thing possible, wagamama will help us deliver over 1 million meals worth of food to our members who are making really difficult decisions between heating and eating, or even keeping a roof over their heads, in the toughest financial crisis of a generation.”
wagamama has always led the way in making delicious plant-based food accessible and full of flavour, being the first multi-site UK restaurant business to offer a vegan menu on the high street.
In the six years following the launch of its vegan menu in October 2017, the proportion of vegan sales has doubled at wagamama. During veganuary 2022 there was a 12% increase in the proportion of vegan sales from the previous month thanks in part to its limited edition exclusive dish the vegan f-ish and chips.
This dish was one of the highest selling vegan mains during January 2022 and compared to the previous veganuary exclusive they saw an 144% increase in guest participation.
In October 2021 wagamama made half its menu plant-based with a mission to continue inspiring and empowering Brits to give plants a go, one bowl at a time.
wagamama has made vegan versions of all their most popular dishes, collaborated with vegan chef Gaz Oakley to bring guests the world’s first vegan ‘egg’, turned watermelon into ‘tuna’ and eliminated red meat from their test kitchen menu in Old Street, London.
The most recent PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report – the longest running annual survey of pet wellbeing in the UK – revealed 30% of owners worry how they’ll pay for vet bills if their furry family member fell ill or became injured.
With the report also detailing that 61% of cats and 39% of dogs are currently uninsured, thousands of owners could find themselves with an unexpected vet bill should the worst happen.
PDSA Vet Nurse, Nina Downing, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is affecting all of us in one way or another, meaning we’re looking for ways to save money wherever we can – and this is no different for costs associated with our pets.
“Veterinary treatments can become costly, so one of the best ways to safeguard your furry friend and avoid unplanned vet bills is by keeping on top of their preventive healthcare. The following tactics could help you save in the long-term:
Stay up to date with vaccinations
“While cutting back on annual booster vaccinations or regular flea and worming treatments may seem like saving money in the short-term, it can cause issues down the line. Avoiding these measures can put your pet’s overall health at risk, meaning they may need intensive veterinary care, which can soon add up.
“Keeping vaccinations up to date provides your furry family member with antibodies to fight off serious but preventable conditions. Using regular flea treatment prevents your pet from developing uncomfortable skin problems, while buying products to treat all types of worms including lungworm, can be lifesaving.
The benefits of neutering
“Neutering your pet will not only prevent unwanted pregnancies, but it also reduces the likelihood of developing certain health issues too, including some types of cancer or life-threatening infection of the uterus which can affect unneutered females.
“Castrating male dogs helps reduce their risk of prostate disease and stops them from developing testicular cancer. Male cats and dogs are less likely to roam looking for females and male cats are less likely to get into fights if neutered, too. Up to 80% of unspayed female rabbits will also develop uterine cancer by the time they’re five or older, so the procedure is highly beneficial for pets, big and small.
Watch weight gain
“It’s important to monitor your pet’s weight and take action if you believe they are gaining a few too many pounds – this will help avoid weight related health problems which may require costly lifelong medication.
“The best way to help your furry friend maintain a healthy weight is by incorporating daily exercise into their routine and ensuring they eat a complete, well-balanced, nutritious diet.
Don’t ignore insurance
“Having the correct insurance plan in place will be vital to avoid expensive bills, should the worst happen.
“There are several types of cover and the monthly cost will depend on a range of factors, including your pet’s breed and age. Cheaper policies are often ‘accident only’ and won’t cover anything illness related.
Lifetime cover policies are usually more expensive, however, they do provide cover for any accidents or illnesses (they don’t cover vaccinations or other preventive treatments) as long as the policy is continued, without a break.
“It is a good idea to insure your pet as soon as you bring them home – don’t wait for them to get ill – as pre-existing conditions are not typically covered. If you insure them while they are young and healthy, many providers will continue to cover them as they get older. However, you may find changes to excesses for older pets, so – it’s important to read the policy, so you know what to budget for.
Explore additional resources
“There are lots of free resources available on PDSA’s website, which provide helpful advice and low-cost ways to care for furry family members.
“Personal circumstances can change at any time and if you do find yourself struggling to afford your pet’s veterinary care, see if you are eligible for free or low-cost support by using the eligibility checker on the PDSA website.”
PDSA relies on donations to deliver vital treatment to hundreds of thousands of pets across its 48 Pet Hospitals in the UK.
To keep families together this winter, the charity is urgently calling on the public’s support more than ever to prevent vulnerable people having to make a truly heart-breaking decision.
Households are being offered 23 money-saving hacks to use in 2023 as experts reveal the best ways to save little and often throughout the year
Consumer experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have identified useful ways to save cash by completing monthly saving challenges as well as advice on how to knock hundreds off holiday expenses.
The cost-of-living crisis spiralled over the last year and the rising costs of food and expenses have left families worried about how they can manage their finances in the new year.
Brits can save little and often by taking early preventive steps to save their cash, from sticking to a digital budget planner to track how much they’re spending, to investing in a smart meter so they can monitor how much gas and electricity is being used in the home.
Lucinda Fox, online consumer expert at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “December is one of the most expensive months of the year, which is why many families are left tight for cash when it comes to January.
“We’ve faced one of the toughest years when it comes to saving money, as every household expense has been rising from petrol to food and of course our energy bills.
“As we head into 2023, we’re offering households simple tips on how to stick to measurable budgets so they don’t have to worry about overspending or be left strapped for cash towards the end of the year.
“We’ve found various ways to save over the next year such as following budget planners and booking holidays a year in advance.”
Start the year off by investing in a digital budget planner so you can visually track how much you’re spending and in which areas. This way you can monitor which outgoings can be cut down to help save hundreds off your monthly budget.
Get a smart meter
Having the physical amount in front of you can let you see clearly how much is being spent on gas and electricity. It means you can knock £20 off the electric bill if devices that aren’t being used are still turned on.
Start a side hustle
A savvy way to earn extra cash in the new year is to earn more and spend less by starting a side hustle. This can simply be done from home whether it’s selling clothing on apps or completing free online surveys to earn rewards.
Enter free giveaways
Social media giveaways are also an easy way to grab a freebie. While it’s all down to chance, it’s worth doing as the only effort you’ll likely be putting in is following the company’s social page and tagging a friend in the comments.
Set measurable savings goals
While it’s great to save as much as possible, don’t just throw everything into savings only to realise there’s not enough money left to pay for the bills. Be reasonable with how much you can save and by putting aside a steady amount to start with.
Shop during sale events
January sales are one of the prime sales events over the year, where many retailers knock down their prices after the Christmas rush. If you have family or friends with birthdays coming up, make the most out of the sales to save on the costs.
Book 2024/25 holidays now
When it comes to travel prices, the earlier you book, the better. Many companies offer zero deposit schemes where you pay the holiday off on a cheaper monthly basis rather than all in one go. Have a look at travel voucher codes to save up to 30% on future trips.
Shop around for deals
Have a look at different outlets offering the same type of products, both online and in-person. This also applies to supermarkets during seasonal events where better promotions can be found by shopping around.
Join community groups for free activities
Signing up for online community groups means you have access to wider information about free local activities going on in the area. This will help even further when it comes to half term to prevent overspending on days out.
Sign up for loyalty schemes
Each time you decide to shop at a retailer, have a look if they have an app available or go straight to their website and join their reward schemes. This can result in freebies or discounts on your next visit.
Book free cancellation trips
Booking free cancellation trips can provide extra insurance to get money back on a cancelled trip. This can be extremely helpful if there are ongoing strikes over the course of 2023 that could impact you getting to your destination.
Sign up for email subscriptions
Even if they end up in your junk mail, it’s worth signing up for email subscriptions every time you purchase an item online, as you can be offered exclusive free items or early discounts before they go live to other consumers.
Freeze leftovers from Sunday roasts
Freezing food and meal prepping is always a handy way to save on food costs. With prices set to rise again in the new year, it’s also worth saving the leftovers from a Sunday roast and batch-cooking them into lunches for the rest of the week to save a few quid.
The 50:30:20 split
A popular TikTok trend from 2022 is one to follow through in the new year. When the monthly wage comes through, allocate 50% of it on bills and essentials, 30% on leisure and 20% on savings.
Use a credit card
When buying a large purchase item, pay for it on finance or directly by credit card to build up your credit score. But only do so if you can realistically manage to fit the payment into the monthly budget.
Have spend-free weekends
Dedicate one weekend a month where you’re going to have a spend-free weekend, where you can go for long walks in the park, get crafty in the kitchen with existing cupboard ingredients, or even just settle down and binge-watch a new TV show.
Use fakeaway recipes
A fakeaway is always a delicious budget treat to have on a Saturday night. Fried chicken and homemade pizzas might take a little longer to make but the rewards are just as tasty.
Notepad mystery box
Write down different amounts you’d like to put into your savings on separate pieces of paper and put them into a bowl. Every Sunday, draw out a different amount to determine how much money you will be putting into your savings that week. This is a great way to save little and often, just remember to keep it realistic!
Check for tax rebates
Often many find themselves accidentally paying too much tax, which can be reclaimed on the Government website. Even if it’s £30 – it’s still worth a look.
Take part in free subscription trials
Brands offer freebies by signing up for subscription deals, whether it’s entertainment packages or beauty products. These can often be cancelled shortly after, so make sure to do so to prevent being charged.
Stick to non-branded foods
These can cost nearly 50% less compared to other products even if there’s a lack of difference in price and quality. Veggies and meats often taste the same so it’s worth investing in the non-branded versions to cut down on weekly meals.
Put locks on banking pots
Virtual banks often allow for savings pots to be locked and only accessible on certain dates. Having the visual lock on display can help prevent the temptation of taking cash out on a frequent basis.
Stick to the plan
Don’t just stick to the budget for January and forget about it for the rest of the year, make it a personal goal that you’ll stick to the saving targets so that the rewards will be greater by the end of next year.
– Over 50 per cent of the range has been cut in price –
Morrisons is cutting 130 prices across its entry-level products to help customers’ money go further throughout the January squeeze.
The cuts include important fresh and frozen products for family meals and lunch boxes, together with cupboard essentials and household products to help customers across their shop.
Morrisons has invested over £16 million to make these cuts as customers look for help on their weekly shop after the expense of Christmas and as the cost of living crisis continues to impact household grocery budgets.
Fresh products such as bacon, cooked chicken and cheese which can be used to make hearty meals have had their prices reduced as well as fruit and vegetables including apples, pears and potatoes.
Frozen ready meals, fish fingers and prawns have been cut along with cupboard fillers like tins of beans, chopped tomatoes and tuna chunks. Household essentials such as laundry powder, washing up liquid and dishwasher tablets have also seen their prices slashed as have toothbrushes, toothpaste and sanitary products.
Morrisons entry level range has 263 products, 28 of which were new additions within the last six months. This month the range will grow further with the introduction of cherry tomatoes, easy peel oranges, green beans and mixed peppers.
David Potts, Chief Executive, Morrisons, said:“Our Savers range offers customers great value on the products they buy every day.
“We want to do all we can to help when it comes to the cost of grocery shopping and by investing in the range and cutting the prices further, our customers will see a noticeable impact on their budgets at a time when they really need it.”
Morrisons price cuts will be communicated to customers via TV, radio, press, digital display and social media as well as email and online activity.
On the website, the Savers range will be highlighted on the homepage under Morrisons ‘More Way to Save’ section and until January 22nd, the seasonal aisle in Morrisons stores will feature displays of the ambient Savers products in one place to help customers shop the breadth of the range, while the fresh and frozen items will have prominent displays in their aisles to help customers identify them.
SAVERS PRICE CUTS: BREAKFAST EXAMPLES
WAS
NOW
MORRISONS SAVERS WHITE LOAF MEDIUM SLICED 720g
£0.45
£0.39
MORRISONS SAVERS ORANGE MARMALADE 454G
£0.52
£0.33
MORRISONS SAVERS ORANGE JUICE FROM CONCENTRATE 1L
£0.89
£0.75
MORRISONS SAVERS MUESLI 1KG
£1.39
£1.25
SAVERS PRICE CUTS: MID-WEEK DINNER EXAMPLES
WAS
NOW
MORRISONS SAVERS ITALIAN STYLE HARD CHEESE 170G
£1.70
£1.59
MORRISONS SAVERS PASTA SAUCE 440G
£0.57
£0.39
MORRISONS SAVERS LONG GRAIN RICE 1KG
£0.71
£0.48
MORRISONS SAVERS TUNA CHUNKS IN BRINE 145G
£0.65
£0.55
MORRISONS SAVERS CHILLI CON CARNE 392G
£1.49
£0.97
MORRISONS SAVERS PLUM TOMATOES IN TOMATO JUICE 400G
The Scottish Government has created a ‘one stop shop’ website aimed at helping people in Edinburgh who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
The website includes guidance on the different kinds of support available, from helping families and households meet rising energy, housing and other costs, to details around accessing Scottish and UK social security payments, including online benefit calculators as well as advice around improving overall health and wellbeing.
It’s important to acknowledge the added stress that money worries can bring and the impact that this can have on your health, both mentally and physically. The website includes information on the support people can access such as the NHS24 Mental Health Hub (available by dialling 111), Breathing Space which is a confidential helpline available by calling 0800 83 85 87, and nhsinform.scot/mind-to-mind which shares advice from peers.
There is also key information around support with health costs such as eye examinations, glasses, contact lenses and dental treatments.
When it comes to families and financial support, the Scottish Government has allocated almost £3 billion in this financial year to help households face the increased cost of living, including £1bn in providing services and financial support not available elsewhere in the UK.
The winter Bridging Payment has been doubled, meaning the December payment will be £260. All eligible families should make sure they are registered to receive free school meals on the basis of low income in order to receive the payment. If they register between now and end of school term they will receive the payment in January.
The Scottish Child Payment has also been increased to £25 a week which can be paid to families with children under the age of 16 who live in Scotland and qualify for certain reserved benefits. There is no limit on the number of children that families can apply for.
Shona Robison, Social Justice Secretary, said: “I know that people are struggling with the cost of living crisis right now and may not know where to turn for help. Our cost of living website is a trustworthy online resource with information on the wide range of vital support available.
“No one should feel alone in this crisis and this website, along with our campaign, aims to encourage people to find out if they are eligible for the extensive support available to access the advice they need.
“We want everyone to get all the financial support and help that is available so I would encourage people to apply for the payments they are entitled to – it might be just the lifeline that is needed right now”.
Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack has said next year must be the year Scotland enshrines a statutory Right to Food in law, as figures show food bank use soaring in Edinburgh.
The Trussell Trust’s mid-year statistics show that the number of food parcels handed out in Edinburgh has soared by 35 per cent since 2017.
The number of parcels given to children has risen even more drastically, increasing by an appalling 77 per cent, with 10,378 parcels being given out in the space of just six months.
This includes a shocking 3,189 parcels for children in the City of Edinburgh whose parents need urgent support now. Its worrying that the number of these parcels has risen by 29 per cent since 2017.
Scottish Labour have said this proves there must be no more delays to the introduction of a legal right to food in Scotland.
Scottish Labour have long campaigned for a statutory right to food in Scots law. The SNP and the Greens both backed this policy in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, however in May the SNP-Green government voted against Labour’s attempt to introduce a Right to Food during the Good Food Nation Bill.
Commenting, Scottish Labour MSP Sarah Boyack said: “As the cost of living crisis piles pressure on households, more and more people in Edinburgh are being forced to turn to food banks.
“Families are at breaking point and parents are struggling to feed their children.
“It is more urgent than ever that we enshrine people’s right to food in Scots law, but the SNP-Green government keep kicking the can down the line.
“There is no more time to delay – this year must be the year we embed the right to food in law at last.”
Trussell Trust Mid Year Statistics 2022-23 – 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022:
Local Authority
Number of parcels for children
Total number of parcels distributed
Increase in parcels for children compared to 2017
Increase in total parcels compared to 2017
Aberdeen City
1,273
3,576
97%
168%
Aberdeenshire
1,243
4,315
143%
149%
Angus
388
1,335
-5%
-29%
City of Edinburgh
3,189
10,378
29%
35%
Dumfries and Galloway
584
2,162
2681%
1088%
Dundee City
2,656
7,675
200%
139%
East Ayrshire
1,027
3,367
115%
116%
East Dunbartonshire
922
3,195
73%
67%
East Lothian
2,058
5,488
217%
197%
East Renfrewshire
993
2,811
44%
69%
Falkirk
1,334
4,276
44367%
3215%
Fife
3,176
8,397
107%
91%
Glasgow City
6,271
15,614
13%
5%
Highland
1,375
3,691
54%
13%
Inverclyde
710
3,008
29%
38%
Midlothian
1,535
3,073
225%
136%
Moray
–
–
Na h-Eileanan Siar
–
–
North Ayrshire
620
2,528
-40%
-26%
North Lanarkshire
1,733
4,805
250%
197%
Orkney Islands
112
390
26%
48%
Perth and Kinross
1,139
3,674
125%
64%
Renfrewshire
1,308
4,290
13%
2%
Scottish Borders
102
304
10100%
3700%
Shetland Islands
172
841
South Ayrshire
1,329
4,016
130%
88%
South Lanarkshire
2,731
7,848
95%
73%
West Dunbartonshire
–
–
West Lothian
1,800
5,316
169%
156%
*Figures compare 1 April to 30 September 2017 with the same period in 2022.
Retailers are hiking up the cost of their cheapest food items as the cost of living crisis bites the UK.
Supermarkets are increasing the price of their value items more quickly than more expensive items, according to an analysis by price intelligence company Skuuudle.
In the biggest study of its kind Skuuudle tracked the cost of almost 19,000 items in UK supermarkets on a daily basis from July to December and found that items originally below 75p accelerated at the fastest rate.
These items include many supermarket value range products including biscuits, chocolate, snacks, oils, rice, pasta, cans and packets of food.
Yet items priced above £5 in July have actually fallen in price, possibly as a result of reduced demand for high cost items.
Food staples selling for under 75p have risen by 16% while items selling for over five pounds have decreased in price up to nearly four percent according to the data.
Experts from Skuuudle tracked the price of 18,790 supermarket food products from sauces to cereals.
The figures show a direct correlation between original cost and rate of increase with cheaper items increasing in price at a higher rate than more expensive alternatives.
Items priced between 75p and £1.50 back in July increased by eight percent while items priced from £1.50 to £5 went up by almost four percent.
Skuuudle generates market-leading data analytics to help retailers understand the markets they are operating in, to continue to provide optimum prices for consumers – in the face of rising inflation.
This allows retailers to compare like for like products and accurately track changes in price of the same items across different retailers.
This level of insight is critical when accurately tracking the price of a large number of food products with many small variables differentiating one product from another.
A Skuuudle spokesman said that retailers have an unenviable ‘balancing act’ to perform when it comes to pricing, having to consider the needs of the customer, their suppliers and the supply chain.
He said: “The changes make difficult reading for those on low incomes who are seeing the cost of many value items increase but who may not be able to benefit at all from the reduction in price of more expensive items.
“This change could well be driven by a reduced demand for more expensive items as more people turn to value products during the cost of living crisis.
“Supermarkets are having to contend with increasing costs associated with production and shipping, while issues of supply are driving costs up further.
“What is interesting is how supermarkets are choosing to pass increased costs onto consumers.
“Our data reveals that it’s the prices of the cheapest food items which are rising at the highest rate while many expensive items have actually become cheaper.
“It is often the cheapest items in our baskets that we pay the least attention to so understanding that some of these staples might be increasing at a faster rate will help the most value conscious shoppers stay in control of their weekly food shop bills.”
