St Helens estimated to have one of the highest inflation rates

While rising food and energy bills have impacted all areas of the country, new analysis suggests that inflation rates are rising much faster in Northern towns like St Helens.

Comparing average household incomes with inflation rates, Labour Party analysis shows that households in St Helens have had to deal with an estimated inflation rate of 9.8%.

Meanwhile, households in the City of London have dealt with an estimated inflation rate of 7.5%, the data suggests.

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Volunteers at St Helens Food Bank have helped residents struggling with the cost of living crisis and inflation (Image: St Helens Star)

With higher areas of deprivation in some parts of the North and Midlands, as well as poorer public transport provision and social housing, the analysis highlights how the cost of living crisis has disproportionately affected some areas of the country.

With the Conservatives often declaring how the party will 'level up' these areas, the Labour Party has used this analysis to attack the Conservatives' management of the economy during the cost of living crisis.

St Helens South & Whiston MP, Marie Rimmer (Image: Marie Rimmer MP)

Marie Rimmer, Labour MP for St Helens South & Whiston, said: "The Tories' reckless handling of our economy has left inflation going through the roof.

"It is areas like St Helens and Knowsley that are suffering the consequences. The reality is that working people are paying more taxes than ever, yet getting so little in return.

“This is not just down to Liz Truss’ kamikaze budget last year. It is down to thirteen years of Tory government. A long-term plan is required to have a stronger industrial strategy so that our economy is better defended against global events.

"For months we called for the Government to take a stronger stance on non-doms and energy profits. They have done neither. This money could be used to help families struggling with soaring energy bills.”

Rishi Sunak promised to cut inflation in half (Image: PA)

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to halve the inflation rate in January when the rate stood at 10.1%, which has since reduced to 8.7% in the year to April.

In an effort to bring down inflation further, the government will increase interest rates yet again, despite them already sitting at a 14-year high of 4.5%.

A Treasury spokesperson said: "We are working closely with the Bank of England to bear down on inflation, and remain committed to halving it this year.

"We must stick firmly to this plan so that everyone’s incomes go further and the right conditions are in place for long-term economic growth."