Scottish price inflation tops UK figure

PRICES in Scottish shops are rising faster than the UK – for the third consecutive month.

The annual rate of price inflation in shops north of the Border stood at 2 per cent in April – higher than the February and March figure of 1.6 per cent. Across the UK, prices rose by just 1.2 per cent.

The data came as separate UK figures revealed that food prices rose by an inflation-busting 4.7 per cent last month compared to a year ago as retailers passed on soaring commodity costs.

But experts said food in Scotland was going up more slowly than global commodity prices, adding that Scottish retailers were not passing on the impact of rising prices to the consumer.

Fiona Moriarty, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: "Although in April Scottish shop prices rose faster year-on-year than the previous month, the price of non-food goods continues to fall and the shop price of food is going up more slowly than increases in world commodity prices.

"Scottish retailers are protecting their customers from the full force of cost increases, even where it means lower margins."