Households struggling with food costs could benefit from price
controls on essential items under proposals published for
consultation.
Fulfilling one of the commitments made for the Scottish
Government's first 100 days, views are being sought on the
proposals and accompanying draft Bill. These are intended to ease
cost of living pressures, particularly for lower income
households who spend a greater share of their budget on food.
The consultation seeks views on the proposals and how the
mechanism would work in practice, including the retailers and
foods that could be included in the scheme.
Minister for Business said:
Helping people with the cost of living is a top priority of this
government. Our aim is to make essential food items more
affordable for households struggling to pay for their weekly
shop, particularly those on lower incomes.
The consultation covers the wide range of factors we need to
consider to implement a food price cap. I am committed to taking
action to address food affordability that works with retailers
and protects farmers and food producers.
I have spent the last three months engaging with bodies with an
interest in this and encourage everyone to have their say.
Background
The consultation is live at www.gov.scot/isbn/9781807754938
and closes on 24 November 2026.
The Scottish Government has undertaken an initial assessment of
the potential interaction between the proposals and the United
Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 and will engage with the UK
Government as part of any policy development following the
consultation end.
