Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Estates' food shops top London prices

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

FAMILIES in small, run- down housing estates are paying more for their groceries than those living in Kensington, London's most exclusive neighbourhood, according to a survey by the children's charity Barnardo's.

A report published today , reveals how communities are left isolated and lacking in support and resources. In Allerton estate outside Bradford, 70 per cent of the population live on benefits and one in three young people is unemployed yet the cost of living is higher than in expensive areas of London.

A survey of estate shops found essential items such as baby food were often not available. Families in a Cardiff shop were charged pounds 1.74 more for a packet of nappies than in shops in Kensington.

Washing powder prices varied by 80p with the highest in Liverpool. On the Ely estate, Cardiff, tea bags were 50p more costly than in a supermarket. A basket of provisions was more expensive on the Bradford and Cardiff estates than in Kensington.

Barnardo's is calling for an improvement in the quality of housing on estates, an emphasis on providing jobs, improved security and an increase in Income Support.

The report concluded: 'Not only do these people have less money to spend, but they are having to pay some of the highest prices in Britain.

However, the report recognises the valuable role local shops play. 'Many of the larger supermarkets have abandoned estate communities, and although prices are higher in estate shops they are clearly providing a vital service to local people.'

Poor Deal, Barnardo's, Tanner's Lane, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex 1G6 1QG; pounds 3.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in