UK consumers could face more expensive shopping bills in fall as costs surge and Brexit red tape increases.

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) warned that shops prices will be under pressure from high food, shipping, and commodity costs.

However, in May retail prices declined as clothing and footwear prices fell, it said. The government said it was supporting businesses and the lowest paid.

Cost pressures are building for retailers, the BRC said, as global food prices hit their highest for seven years. Meanwhile shipping costs have risen threefold since 2019, and commodity prices are climbing.

“Retailers may be forced to pass on some costs onto their customers,” said BRC chief Helen Dickinson.

“We will likely see the costs filter through in the second half of this year,” she said.

She called on the government to help to ease the burden on consumers by finding ways to minimise the impact of new checks and documentation required at EU borders from October.