New CPI inflation figures today prompted last-ditch industry calls for the government to help by delivering a much-needed cost-cutting budget on 28 October.

As headline inflation rose to 3.5% in the 12 months to September and food inflation held steady at 1.3%, British Retail Consortium (BRC) lead economist Harvir Dhillon said: “Retailers and government are aligned on the need to tackle the high cost of living, and next week’s budget provides a crucial opportunity to do just that.”

So, what does the food and retail industry need from Chancellor John Healey on 28 October?