Households got some welcome relief in February as shop price inflation eased, says the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

According to the latest BRC-NIQ Shop Price Monitor, shop price inflation increased 1.1% year on year in February, against growth of 1.5% in January. This is in line with the 3-month average of 1.1%.

Non-Food prices fell 0.1% year on year in February, against growth of 0.3% in January. This is in line with the 3-month average of -0.1%.

Food inflation increased 3.5% year on year in February, against growth of 3.9% in January. This is in line with the 3-month average of 3.5%.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, said: “Fierce competition between retailers kept price rises in check, with promotions across health, beauty and fashion. Falling global food costs also fed through, pushing food inflation down, with ambient food inflation dropping to its lowest level in four years.

“While the direction of travel is promising, prices are still rising, and many consumers remain under pressure. Retail operates on thin margins yet has faced relentless tax rises in recent years. The Employment Rights Act could add further complexity if secondary legislation is implemented without an eye firmly on the potential consequences for the cost of doing business and hence the cost of living. Poor implementation decisions by government would stymie job creation and push inflation back up.”

Mike Watkins, Head of Retailer and Business Insight, NIQ, said: “Since the start of the year, we have seen some competitive pricing across both the food and non-food channels which is helping to bring down inflation. Whilst the inclement weather and weak sentiment is making consumer demand rather unpredictable for retailers, at least shoppers are now seeing some of their cost of living pressures start to ease.”