"A bread & butter issue": Oldham Borough Liberal Democrats say families suffering 26% food inflation

11.28.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 25th Oct 2008

Oldham West & Royton Liberal Democrats have called attention to the plight of hard working families who are faced with rapidly escalating food costs.

Cllr Mark Alcock, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Oldham West & Royton, said, "Everyone knows that inflation is running at a rate much higher than the official figure of 4.7%.

"The highest price rises are for the essentials - basic food items like bread, butter and milk.

"Our research suggests that a sample basket of shopping, including basics like bread and eggs, has risen in price by 26% in the last year.

"At their party conference, Labour had nothing to offer but gimmicks, which will have no effect on the escalating cost of living.

"This is in stark contrast to what people want - more money in their pocket.

"The Liberal Democrats want to help people in this situation - by cutting the basic rate of income tax by 20% and restoring the link between pensions and earnings."