Despite a slight decrease in inflation in the UK, the rate remains high, reaching 10.1% in March, driven mainly by food prices, which increased by 19.1% compared to the previous year, the highest increase since 1977.
This is affecting citizens in places like Whitehaven, a small port town, where prices of rent, electricity bills, and food have increased significantly, leading to the closure of several stores. Whitehaven residents are trying to save money any way they can, including by shopping at wholesalers, but have noticed that prices are similar to those in supermarkets. According to the Office for National Statistics, March also saw record increases in products such as cereals, chocolate, ready meals and sauces, and hot drinks.
Katarina, who runs a social center in a deprived area of Whitehaven, helps neighbors do their shopping each week and has noticed that food prices have steadily risen, even on the most basic items such as sandwiches. Although the government has promised a decrease in inflation by the end of the year, Whitehaven citizens are more concerned about making ends meet and coping with the high costs of daily living.