UK shop price inflation slowed to 1.4% in September from 1.5% in August,
marginally above the three‑month average of 1.3%, the British Retail Consortium
(BRC) said. The BRC said the Iran conflict has increased cost pressure on
retailers and called on the government for further support; CEO Helen Dickinson
warned retailers have absorbed successive cost rises and highlighted a planned
April increases in business rates, rising employment costs, energy bills and a
packaging tax as risks. Dickinson urged Chancellor Healy to use the Oct. 28 tax
and spending plan to cut business tax burdens to help contain consumer prices.
