Will the government really introduce a cap on food prices?

As ministers consider how to help lower the cost of basics for struggling families, Andrew Grice looks at the plan for tackling the cost of living crisis

Ministers want to bring retailers and suppliers together to ensure prices are kept as low as possible for hard-pressed consumers (PA)

The government is considering a plan under which supermarkets would cap the cost of basic foods such as bread and milk to help families struggling with the cost of living crisis.

But after ministers’ discussions prompted lots of headlines about price caps, they appeared to row back from the idea, insisting that any such move would be “voluntary”. A government spokesperson said: “The government is not considering imposing price caps. Any scheme to help bring down food prices for consumers would be voluntary and at retailers’ discretion.”

So will there be a cap on prices?