Some families have resorted to stealing baby formula to feed their children amid the cost of living crisis. The price of the product has increased along with food items, making it unaffordable for some people.
The issue was raised during the Cabinet Office debate this morning (July 14). SNP MP Alison Thewliss said that some formula is now so expensive that it is being security tagged and kept behind the till to prevent theft.
Addressing the Commons, she said: "One of the most worrying increases in food prices is for infant formula, some of which is now so expensive it is security tagged and kept behind the till because families have resorted to stealing it.
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“What is the Government doing to make sure that infant formula is available to families who need it? Because at this price many cannot afford it at all.”
In response, Cabinet Office minister Kit Malthouse said that prices are being monitored very closely and while the government has put £37billion into the system to support families, they are always under review.
He said: “Obviously we are monitoring all prices, particularly in vital areas like formula, very closely and I know she will welcome therefore the support that is going to eight million houses on means-tested benefits starting from today, with another instalment in the future coming this autumn on top of the assistance that has already been given.
“We have put something like £37 billion now into the system to assist families but we constantly keep these things under review and will act if needed.”
Several other issues have been raised during the meeting, such as delays in driving licenses and passports and the service provided to Veterans UK. There was also discussion of an ethics adviser replacement following the resignation of Lord Geidt.
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