BUSINESSES across south Cumbria say they are being forced to increase prices to keep up with the cost of living crisis.

Donna Jefferson, the owner of Ma's Kitchen in Barrow, said she will increase prices next week as she has got to make her business 'viable'.

She said: "A year ago when I increased the prices it was not much. I can't stay in business longer without increasing the prices - it is not doable. 

"All that is going to be left are the big companies. People know if they want good food they have to pay more.

"It has been very difficult - if it was not the loyal customers I would not be here."

READ MORE: "We're sure you'll understand" - Barrow business forced to raise prices

Sarah Forristal, of hairdresser and beauty salon Urban Edge studio in Barrow, said they have increased their prices by up to 20 per cent at the beginning of March. 

She said: "We increased our prices as all our stock has gone up. We are probably still cheaper compared to other places in town."

The owners of Review Hair & Beauty in Barrow have also announced the price rise to their services and treatments from April 1 due to 'inflation' and 'added overhead costs'.

They said: "We have kept this to an absolute minimum. We hope you understand as we are so thankful for all your loyalty and support throughout the years."

Nikki Borrow, owner of The Garden Cafe and Takeaway in Kendal, explained their prices rose for the first time in almost five years.

She said: "The cost of everything that we have to buy has increased. 

"We have had an awful lot of support and a lot of customers actually agreeing that our prices need to be increased so I am not concerned that will not put any customers off."

Despite local businesses having to increase their prices, the British Retail Consortium revealed that shop price inflation eased to its lowest rate since December 2021 driven by falling food costs and competition between retailers. 

Shop prices were 1.3% higher than a year ago in March, slowing from February's 2.5% and well below the three-month average of 2.2%.

Food prices overall were 3.7% higher than a year ago, down from 5% in February, the 10th consecutive month of slowing inflation for the category and its lowest since April 2022. Fresh food inflation slowed further to 2.6% from 3.4% a month earlier.

Inflation on products other than food fell to 0.2% in March, down from 1.3% in February, and its lowest since January 2022.