Money Wellness

cost of living

Published 14 Apr 2025

3 min read

Thousands of everyday essentials to be slashed in price

There’s finally some good news for your wallet. The government has just announced price cuts on over 100 everyday items - from nappies to deodorant - to help ease the pressure on struggling households.

Image of a woman looking at a shelf of cleaning products. Thousands of everyday essentials to be slashed in price. Smarter Regulation
Caroline Chell - Money Wellness

Written by: Caroline Chell

Head of Communications

Published: 14 April 2025

From summer essentials to personal care basics, the changes are part of a wider plan to bring down prices in UK shops by slashing red tape leftover from EU laws.

The idea is to get rid of pointless rules and let British shops sell things cheaper.

What’s getting cheaper?

These changes mean retailers will soon be able to pass on savings on things like:

  • Sun cream and reusable water bottles
  • Nappies and sanitary products
  • Toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo
  • Packaged foods and household cleaners
  • Clothes, shoes, and more

The government says more than 100 products are covered. And shops will no longer need to stick to EU packaging rules, which often meant extra costs.

Supermarkets welcome the move

Big brands and high-street names like Tesco, Asda, and Boots have all backed the move. They say it will help them cut prices faster and offer shoppers better deals.

Andrew Opie from the British Retail Consortium said: Removing unnecessary regulation will enable greater choice and lower prices for consumers.”

When will the savings start?

Some changes could be felt as early as this summer - just in time for the holiday season. And because it’s not about slashing standards, just cutting red tape, the quality of the goods you buy won’t change.

It’s all part of the government’s "Smarter Regulation" push, which aims to save British businesses around £1 billion over time. The hope is that these savings will be passed on to shoppers.

What if you still can’t afford the basics?

Price cuts are welcome, but if you’re already skipping meals, washing less or running out of nappies, they might not be enough.

The good news is there’s help out there:

  • Food banks can offer emergency food parcels and sometimes toiletries too. You can find your nearest one through the Trussell Trust or ask your GP, school or local council for a referral. Everything you need to know about food banks is here.
  • Multi-purpose community hubs may offer food, clothes, toiletries and advice all in one place. Many don’t need a referral. Check what’s available in your area.
  • Baby banks help with nappies, formula, baby clothes, prams, cots and other essentials. Find a local one through Baby Bank Network or by searching “[baby bank near me]”.
  • Pet food banks can help if you’re struggling to feed your furry family members. Try RSPCA’s pet food bank list or check with your local animal charity.

You don’t have to go without. If you’re juggling debt on top of everything else, talk to us.

Caroline Chell - Money Wellness

Written by: Caroline Chell

Head of Communications

Caroline has worked in financial communications for more than 10 years, writing content on subjects such as pensions, mortgages, loans and credit cards, as well as stockbroking and investment advice.

Published: 14 April 2025

The information in this post was correct at the time of publishing. Please check when it was written, as information can go out of date over time.

Read our latest news or check out other popular pages on our website:

Caroline Chell - Money Wellness

Written by: Caroline Chell

Head of Communications

Published: 14 April 2025

More blogs on cost of living

View all
cost of living

Passport fees are rising – apply now before the hike!

From Thursday 10 April, the cost of a British passport will go up by 7%.

Read more
Trump tariffs: What does the trade war mean for your money?
cost of living

Trump tariffs: What does the trade war mean for your money?

New US taxes on imported goods could push up prices.

Read more
Working-age households ‘to be £400 worse off this financial year’
cost of living

Working-age households ‘to be £400 worse off this financial year’

Government urged to bring UC increase forward.

Read more
Average Customer Rating:
4.9/5
Independent Service Rating based on 10985 verified reviews. Read all reviews