Food price inflation in Scotland’s rural areas under MPs’ spotlight
The Scottish Affairs Committee will hear evidence from charities and civil society organisations, working to tackle hunger and poverty, as part of its inquiry on the rising cost of living in rural communities in Scotland.
In the inquiry’s second session, MPs’ questions will focus on the impact of rising food costs and food poverty on Scottish remote, rural, and isolated communities. Food banks, health implications, and pressure on public services will likely be discussed.
Meeting details
Across the UK, rural areas tend to have lower levels of poverty overall, yet energy, fuel and travel costs are much higher in Scottish rural areas. Given the additional cost of everyday essentials, reaching a minimum acceptable standard of living in rural Scotland can cost between 15 to 30 per cent more than urban parts of the UK.
Food prices rose at the second highest rate in 45 years in the year to April 2023. While overall inflation is expected to fall in 2023, the UK Government expects food price inflation to remain high in the short term.