UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to discuss cost of living aid with business leaders

Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson walks outside Downing Street in London, Britain July 20, 2022. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls

LONDON, July 20 (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will meet with business leaders on Thursday to discuss what more can be done to help families struggling with the rising cost of living, his office said. .

Official data released on Wednesday showed soaring petrol and food prices last month pushed UK inflation to its highest rate in 40 years, with annual consumer price inflation hitting 9 .4% in June. Read more

The government said several companies had already struck deals and discounts to help families during the summer school holiday period, including free or low-cost meals for children in some supermarket cafes.

Last month the government appointed the former chief executive of Just Eat, David Buttress, to work with the private sector to identify, develop and promote new and existing initiatives such as reduced prices or offers of products.

Thursday’s meeting with Johnson and Buttress is expected to include representatives from Sainsbury’s, Vodafone, Amazon and Centrica, the government said.

Reporting by Kylie MacLellan. Editing by Jane Merriman

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