Prices in British shops rose at their fastest pace since February 2024 this month, driven by persistently high food costs and signs that the decline in non-food prices is nearing an end, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC). Overall shop prices climbed 1.4% year-on-year in September, up from 0.9% in August. Food prices remained 4.2% higher than a year earlier, while non-food items fell just 0.1%, compared with a 0.8% drop in August. The group urged Finance Minister Rachel Reeves not to impose new levies in November’s budget, warning they would further push up consumer prices. Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden noted food prices continue to weigh heavily on inflation perceptions, particularly dairy and beef, which are being pushed up by rising farm costs and a new packaging levy.