'You can see the misery in people at food prices in this town. It follows them'

The cost-of-living crisis has seen food prices surge across Greater Manchester, with the most vulnerable people impacted hardest.

And inflation shows little sign of abating, with recent news from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), that the rate (Consumer Prices Index) remained at 8.7% in the 12 months to May 2023, unchanged from April.

This comes at the same time as the Bank of England continues to raise interest rates in a bid to control that inflation, putting yet more pressure on households as the cost of mortgages, debt and rent increases with them.

In Eccles, Salford, Gavin Albiston has seen families stand weighing up essential foods in shopping aisles as prices remain at historic highs. “I’ve overheard people saying ‘we’ll have to leave this’ for food. People making an honest living can’t afford to feed themselves,” he says.

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“My partner works with volunteering charities and she’s heard some horror stories,” the 38-year-old told the Manchester Evening News. “You can see the misery in people here, it follows them.”

The Business and Trade Committee had supermarket executives from four major food retailers (Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Asda) answer questions this week about price rises.

It came amid allegations - denied by senior executives - that companies are taking advantage of the climate to keep hiking prices, rather than passing on any reductions in wholesale costs.

Elaine Salisbury has little hope prices will decrease. “Once it goes up, it never comes down," she said. "I’m almost 80 years old, I’ve seen food prices rise over the years and recently saw cheese go from £2.50 to £5.00. It won’t change.