If you’re like most people in Solihull and across the UK, you’ve probably noticed prices creeping up on the things you buy every day – food, flights, even tickets to see your favourite band. But what if I told you that in some cases, you could be paying more than your neighbours in other areas for exactly the same product? That’s not just unfair – it’s something I am determined to stop.
Take something as simple as a box of Weetabix. You might expect it to cost the same wherever you buy it. But Weetabix bought in the Castle Bromwich Tesco Express costs 10 per cent more than Weetabix bought in the Quinton Tesco superstore. Why? The supermarket giants claim this is due to a ‘convenience premium’ for local stores – but how high should that premium be? And how transparent are they about where those convenience stores are placed, especially in less affluent areas? When I brought executives from Tesco and Sainsbury’s in front of the Business and Trade Committee, they couldn’t tell me.
This is about more than just one breakfast cereal. Families across Solihull are feeling the squeeze as the cost of living rises and it’s not just supermarkets who are squeezing us. Think about when you book a flight. Airlines increasingly use “dynamic pricing,” which means prices change depending on demand. That might sound fair in theory, but in practice, it often leaves travellers confused and frustrated. Are you really seeing the true cost of your flight upfront? Can you easily compare prices across airlines? My Committee is working to hold airlines like easyJet to account, pushing for clearer, more transparent pricing so consumers can make informed choices.
And what about entertainment? The live music industry in the UK is dominated by a handful of massive companies. Live Nation and its ticketing arm, Ticketmaster, effectively control many venues and ticket sales. This lack of competition means fans often pay inflated prices, and musicians struggle to find fair access to venues and promoters. The Committee has been questioning these companies and the Competition and Markets Authority, demanding action to keep the market open and competitive.
The story is clear: from the food we eat to the flights we take and the gigs we enjoy, many of us are being charged more than we should be – and we need to know why. Week after week, my team hears from families who feel powerless as prices climb and competition shrinks.
Markets are supposed to serve the people, not exploit them. That’s why I’m fighting to ensure regulators do their job properly, and why I’m pushing major companies to be transparent and fair.
If you live in Solihull and feel like you’re paying through the nose, know this: you’re not alone. I’m listening, and I’m fighting to fix it.
