Nine in 10 Scots ‘worried about food bills over the coming year’

Nine in 10 Scots are worried about food prices over the coming year, according to new analysis.

A YouGov survey carried out for Citizens Advice Scotland found 94% of respondents are concerned to some level about the price of food as inflation soars and household budgets are strained.

More than half (53%) of respondents said they are “very concerned”, a further 28% said they are “somewhat concerned”, and 13% said they are “a little concerned”.

Only 4% said they are “not concerned” and 2% responded “don’t know”.

According to the Office for National Statistics for May 2023, food inflation in the UK was at 18.4%.

Citizens Advice Scotland previously found links between those seeking energy advice and food advice, meanwhile the demand for food banks across the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) network rose by 11% in the year to April 2023.

CAB also noticed an increased demand for food bank referrals due to food costs.

Citizens Advice Scotland chief executive Derek Mitchell said: “Everyone is feeling the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis, but the sheer scale of people worried about food prices shows you how inflation in that area has really affected people’s household budgets.

“CAB advisers see far too many horrific examples of people having to choose between heating and eating, and warmer weather over the summer doesn’t mean that spending choices become easier.

“In fact, for families with children it may be even more challenging without access to free school meals during the week.

“We would encourage anyone who is worried about bills and money to seek advice from their local CAB or our online advice resources.”

Mr Mitchell added: “Our advisers get real results. We unlocked £132 million for people last year, and one in six people who sought advice saw a financial gain, the average value of which was over £4,200. We don’t judge, we just help.”

The survey of 1,509 adults was carried out between February 13 and March 5 this year.