UK Inflation Rises to 2.9%, Putting Pressure on Household Budgets

UK inflation has risen to 2.9% in the 12 months to July, up from 2.6% in June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This increase comes at a challenging time for household budgets, with 20% of Brits feeling less confident about affording their weekly food shop than they did a year ago.

Even when inflation slows down, prices do not necessarily decrease; they simply rise more slowly. As a result, people are still making their weekly shop against a higher cost base.

Shoppers are becoming more intentional about what they buy, looking for value, planning meals around what they already have, and being more conscious of food that could go to waste.

Making simple changes, such as checking the fridge, freezer, and cupboards before heading to the supermarket, can help people avoid buying duplicates, identify food that needs using, and build a shopping list around what they already have.