Responding to the latest CPI
inflation figures, which show headline
inflation remaining at 3.4% and food inflation
rising to 4.4%, Kris Hamer, Director of Insight at the British
Retail Consortium, said:
“Headline inflation held at 3.4% as higher bills and new business
costs introduced in April continued to filter through into the
economy. Worryingly for consumers, the price of the weekly shop
rose once again as food inflation continued its upward
trajectory, reaching its highest level since February last year.
However, there were some bright spots. Deflation persisted in the
clothing and footwear category and within the food category
breakfast items such as eggs, bread and cereals fell in price on
the month, offering some relief.
“Since October, retailers have warned that the costs from the
Chancellor's Budget could not be fully absorbed and would
inevitably lead to higher prices for shoppers. Food inflation is
now above 4% and looks set to increase further later in the year.
The government must now take action to relieve cost pressures
retailers are facing. Ensuring no shop pays more under business
rates reform would be a meaningful step forward, offering much
needed relief to an industry that continues to see prices, job
losses and store closures all rising.”
-ENDS-
Notes:
-
ONS Consumer Price Index figures
|
Year on Year changes
|
Apr-25
|
May-25
|
|
CPI (overall index)
|
3.4%
|
3.4%
|
|
01 Food and non-alcoholic beverages
|
3.4%
|
4.4%
|
|
02 Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
|
5.7%
|
5.4%
|
|
03 Clothing and footwear
|
-0.4%
|
-0.3%
|
|
04 Housing, water, electricity, gas and
other fuels
|
7.8%
|
7.7%
|
|
05 Furniture, household equipment and
maintenance
|
-0.5%
|
0.8%
|
|
06 Health
|
4.3%
|
4.5%
|
|
07 Transport
|
3.3%
|
0.7%
|
|
08 Communication
|
5.8%
|
4.5%
|
|
09 Recreation and culture
|
3.1%
|
3.2%
|
|
10 Education
|
7.5%
|
7.5%
|
|
11 Restaurants and hotels
|
2.7%
|
2.8%
|
|
12 Miscellaneous goods and services
|
2.5%
|
2.8%
|
