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

5.27.00pm GMT Thu 25th Sep 2008

Oldham East & Saddleworth Liberal Democrats have called attention to the plight of hard working families faced with rapidly escalating food costs.

Elwyn Watkins, Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Oldham East & Saddleworth, 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."

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Liberal Democrats to restore link between pensions and earnings.