Miserable weather brings ray of hope for UK shoppers

The wet weather in July was partly responsible for a fall in shop prices, it has been claimed.

Data from the British Retail Consortium shows, during the first week of the month, prices fell compared to the previous month for the first time in two years.

Clothing and footwear led the fall in prices, as retailers used larger discounts to reduce the negative effect poor weather has on spending.

Food inflation – the rate at which prices increase – also slowed to the lowest level this year. Prices fell across staples including breakfast cereals, fish, oils and fats.

Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight at NielsenIQ, said despite the improving outlook, shoppers are changing their spending habits in response to the cost-of-living crisis.

“Shoppers continue to change how they shop as part of their coping strategies. This includes shopping at different retailers, buying lower priced items, delaying spend or only buying when there are promotions. This behaviour looks set to continue.”

If you're struggling with rising costs

To find out what help’s available to people struggling with the cost of living in your area, visit your local council’s website.

A pot of £842m has been set aside by the government for local councils to share out among households in financial difficulty.

The support that’s available will depend on where you live, as each council decides how to use their share of the cash.

Help being offered includes food vouchers and payments made directly into your bank account.

You can also use our free benefits calculator to check you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to.

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