UK shoppers are being forced to pay more at the tills after shop price inflation increased to its highest level in 19 months. Prices increased by 1.4% in September, according to industry figures, up from 0.9% in August. The BRC stated that the spike reflects increased costs associated with running shops. Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, said households were already struggling and warned that further tax rises in next month’s budget would keep shop prices higher for longer. If the government levies new taxes on retailers — or leaves old ones in place — prices here will likely remain high until Christmas.