Concern for elderly as milk price rises

CUSTOMERS who have milk delivered to their doorstep are now paying 53 pence for a pint following a 4p price hike.

The steep eight per cent rise in price is down to soaring global demand, particularly in the Far East where people are consuming more than ever before.

For farmers in the UK poor weather during the summer and mounting costs have led to a decline in production.

Miriam Harrup, of East of England Co-op, said: “The price we pay for raw milk has risen in the past six months.

“To ensure future supply of milk we are increasing the price to our doorstep customers. All of this increase will be passed back to the farmers.”

Mrs Harrup added that customers in the region had already been informed of the price hike in writing.

She played down concerns over the prospect of a consumer backlash, saying: “With many people enjoying the convenience of having fresh milk delivered to their door the impact has been minimal so far.

“There has been significant coverage in the media; therefore, our customers have been expecting a price increase. This is not a problem purely for doorstep deliveries; indeed, the major multiples have already increased prices in their stores.”

Though many customers will be prepared for the rise in price, it is suspected that some will suffer more than others.

Daphne Savage, of Age Concern, said she believed older people would be worst hit.

She said: “Home delivery is important to those on a fixed income. A large proportion of that income is spent on the basics, such as light, heat and council tax.

“The problem is greater for them. Calcium is a really important aspect of staying healthy. The news is very disappointing.”

The move follows a similar increase in supermarket prices and has given rise to speculation over the future of the doorstep delivery service.