Monday 28 May 2012

Last week, the Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament discussed and voted on motions relating to, amongst other issues, the cost of food - following a significant announcement by the Consumer Council claiming that 9 out of 10 consumers in Northern Ireland are worried about the cost of their food and grocery shopping.  The findings come from research the consumer body is conducting, in partnership with Age Sector Platform, on the rising cost of household bills and how they’re impacting on people’s lives.  The Consumer Council is asking NI consumers to contribute to the research by answering a short online survey on what they think of their food costs. 

Speaking about the findings so far, Aodhan O’Donnell, Director of Policy and Education at the Consumer Council said:  “We are aware of work done in GB looking at how rising food costs are affecting consumers, but there hasn’t been any NI specific research.  Food and everyday household items are essential to a person’s quality of life and consumers in NI already endure some of the highest prices in the UK for petrol and diesel, energy and car insurance.  Consumers are voicing their concerns to us and this research will explore further how rising food and grocery costs are placing an additional strain on some household budgets.” 

“Although the research work is ongoing, initial findings also show that 96 per cent of consumers believe that their food and grocery bills are more expensive than they were a year ago and over 80 per cent of people have made changes to the way they shop, cook and eat as a direct response to higher prices.  The Consumer Council is making a plea for shoppers to help them with their research.”

You can access the online survey by clicking HERE.  Hard copies of the food diary are available to download from the Consumer Council website or by calling 0800 121 6022.