The Real Cost of Living

The Conservatives have today unveiled a great piece of research revealing that the cost of living is rising far faster than the 2.5% inflation rate claimed by the government.

ONS figures show that, since Brown became PM:

• The price of butter increased by 37%
• The price of a dozen eggs increased by 34%
• The price of a loaf of bread increased by 28%
• The price of flour increased by 22%
• The price of a pint of milk increased by 17%
• The price of cheese increased by 17%
• The price of a sack of potatoes increased by 11%
• Gas and fuel prices have increased by 10%
• Petrol prices have increased by 8%

It also shows how taxes have risen, which in tandem with inflation has led to declining real earnings over the past two years.

While it’s possible (probable?) that statistics have been massaged or chosen to make their point, but it seems undeniable that Brown’s claims of low inflation are false.

As Fraser Nelson points out at CoffeeHouse

The wider Tory point is this: you’re suffering, we understand, yet Brown claims you’ve never had it so good so he can’t be trusted. For as long as the PM is addicted to fake figures which jar with people’s experience, he is wide open to this powerful charge.

This should further serve to undermine what little confidence the electorate has in the Brown-Darling team.