
UK: Non-food remains in deflation as prices rise elsewhere
Food inflation drove the increase, rising 3.7 percent YoY. This contrasted non-food prices, which remained in deflation at -1.2 percent, reflecting a marginal increase on May's -1.5 percent. The figure came above the three-month average of -1.4 percent.
In a statement, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, said non-food goods 'remained in deflation as retailers cut prices across product categories, especially DIY and gardening, so customers could make the most of the sunshine.'
Dickinson added: 'Retailers have warned of higher prices for consumers since last year's Autumn Budget and the huge rises to Employer National Insurance costs and the National Living Wage.
'We predicted a significant rise in food inflation by the end of this year, and this has been accelerated by geopolitical tensions and impacts of climate change. To limit further rises, the government must find ways to alleviate the cost pressures bearing down on retailers. The upcoming business rates reform offers such an opportunity, and the government must ensure no shop pays more as a result of the changes.'
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Daily Mail
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Fears new Labour property tax will hit the hardest workers, as Rachel Reeves's minister refuses to rule out controversial new levy to replace stamp duty
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TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp warned the Chancellor not to risk destabilising the market by 'flying kites' about potential new property taxes, telling Times Radio: 'It's not Rachel's to go after because it's their homes. 'It's the roof over their head. And this Government seems to want to punish people for making the sacrifices they've made to buy their own homes.' James Browne, senior economic policy adviser at the Tony Blair Institute, said: 'While replacing stamp duty with a new annual property levy on homes worth more than £500,000 is economically sensible, it would be politically challenging. 'Either long-standing homeowners who are asset-rich but cash-poor would be hit with much larger bills or, if it only applied after a property changed hands, would discourage moving just as much as stamp duty does at the moment.' Treasury minister Torsten Bell told Sky News: 'Tax decisions are made by the Chancellor. I'm not going to start speculating on individual taxes.' 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Evening Standard
2 hours ago
- Evening Standard
Budget cost hikes drive 79% of hospitality firms to raise prices
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Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Worrying number of pubs and restaurants that have put prices up revealed
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