Long read: Universities raise concerns about food inflation

The change would affect an estimated two million households from the start of the next financial year. Similar schemes elsewhere have produced mixed results, with outcomes varying widely by region. Industry bodies have broadly welcomed the direction while warning about implementation costs. The proposals, published on Tuesday, set out a timetable that officials say is deliberately cautious.

Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. Industry bodies have broadly welcomed the direction while warning about implementation costs. Critics argue the measures do not go far enough to address the underlying pressures.

Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken and that consultation will run into the autumn. A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. Similar schemes elsewhere have produced mixed results, with outcomes varying widely by region.

The figures represent the sharpest movement recorded since comparable data began. The change would affect an estimated two million households from the start of the next financial year. A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment.

The change would affect an estimated two million households from the start of the next financial year. Several of those briefed on the plans said the detail matters more than the headline commitment. Similar schemes elsewhere have produced mixed results, with outcomes varying widely by region. Critics argue the measures do not go far enough to address the underlying pressures.

Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. The figures represent the sharpest movement recorded since comparable data began. Critics argue the measures do not go far enough to address the underlying pressures.

A spokesperson said the approach balances affordability against the need for long-term investment. Independent analysts note the projections rest on assumptions that may prove optimistic. Several of those briefed on the plans said the detail matters more than the headline commitment. Critics argue the measures do not go far enough to address the underlying pressures.