WIREDGOV

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 Tom Arthur 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.