Overview
- John Swinney said Wednesday he could opt for a voluntary scheme where supermarkets cap prices on key foods to get help to shoppers faster.
- The First Minister told trade union delegates in Dundee on Tuesday that, if the SNP wins on May 7, a food price-cap bill would pass by year-end.
- He plans to gather supermarkets, public health experts, poverty groups, and farmers within days of forming a government to shape the plan.
- The proposal would set a maximum price on up to 50 essentials in large supermarkets using public health powers to tackle the cost of living.
- Retailers and the UK Government criticized the idea and warned of likely court challenges, as analysts noted consultations and a long summer recess could stretch any timetable.