The rising cost of baby milk is causing hardship for many Blackpool families – with some even resorting to shoplifting so they can bottle-feed their babies. Blackpool South MP Chris Webb, who became a father for the first time himself earlier this year, has warned of a ‘pricing crisis’ due to the soaring cost of formula milk.
He added a black market has sprung up for infant milk and it is one of the most commonly shoplifted items. Over the past two years, the cheapest brand of formula has risen by 45% with the average tub now costing £14.50. He also says parents should be allowed to use food bank vouchers to buy baby milk, and is calling for the value of Healthy Start vouchers to increase to £8.50. Blackpool Better Start, which supports families of children aged under five in the town’s most deprived areas, said it was vital parents had as much support as possible “to feed their babies safely.”
"All formula milk made in the UK conforms to the same standards, so every brand will provide the same levels of nutrition. However, the cost of this formula can vary dramatically, with the cost of even the cheapest brands being unaffordable to some families.