SNP food price cap branded 'gimmick' by retail experts

The Scottish Retail Consortium has branded Scottish Government plans to cap prices of certain foods in supermarkets a “gimmick”, warning that a cap won’t fundamentally change the rate of inflation on food.

Part of the SNP’s election manifesto, John Swinney said the price of up to 50 essential items, such as milk, eggs, cheese, and rice, should be capped.

The First Minister said the plans, which follow similar controversial proposals from Westminster, will help struggling families during the cost of living crisis, but retail experts say the price cap could displace costs elsewhere to producers and farmers, stating price caps are simply ineffective.

Government ministers say further details will be announced in the coming weeks, and that they’ll work with the industry.