Swinney seeks voluntary deal on food price cap – Daily Business

John Swinney: seeking to help with cost of living pressures (pic: DB Media Services)

John Swinney today admitted that the early introduction of his food price cap rests on a “voluntary agreement” with retailers who have already trashed the idea.

The SNP leader unveiled his plan to limit the price of essential foodstuffs like milk, bread and eggs during the launch of the party’s manifesto last week.

However, the Scottish Retail Consortium immediately branded the idea a “potty gimmick” and others have said it would lead to supermarkets simply hiking the cost of other food to make up the shortfall.

There have also been warnings that the government could face legal action similar to its move to hike the price of alcohol through minimum unit pricing which was delayed for years.

Mr Swinney said he could use public health powers to instigate the food price cap policy which aims to help those struggling with the cost of living.

“What I am interested in is that people can get a nutritional shop,” he told media today.

“I recognise the points raised, and I would prefer a voluntary agreement that would get quicker progress.

“I’ve got public health powers I can use, but there’s a lot of ways we can make progress by agreement. And I think it’s in everyone’s interests to do that.”

David Lonsdale, director of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “If Mr Swinney’s comments suggest a more realistic and sensible approach is to be taken then that’s encouraging and to be welcomed.

“After all, retailers are striving to keep down shop prices whilst facing cost pressures out-with their control including spiking supply chain and commodity costs resulting from the conflict in the Middle East plus rising public policy costs.”

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