Fury as poorer shoppers stung at the checkout

SUPERMARKET bosses have come under fire for charging higher prices in shops serving less affluent communities, while customers in leafy suburbs pay less.

- By Jonathan Walker WHITEHALL EDITOR

An investigation by MPs found food can be up to 38% pricier in smaller “local” or “express” stores, which typically serve lower-income customers, than in the companies’ large supermarkets — often in wealthier areas or catering for people with transport.

Supermarket chiefs have insisted the price difference is a result of the higher costs of running smaller stores.

However, MPs say forcing some shoppers to pay more than others is unfair.

The House of Commons’ business committee, chaired by Labour MP Liam Byrne, has now launched an inquiry.

Former Treasury minister Mr Byrne said: “It can’t be right that families in poorer communities are penalised simply for the postcode they live in.