The rising cost of baby milk is causing hardship for many Blackpool families – some even resorting to theft to be able to bottle feed their babies. Blackpool South MP Chris Webb, who became a father himself for the first time earlier this year, warned of a “price crisis” due to the rising price of formula milk.

He said: “I regularly read heartbreaking posts on local forums from parents who were begging for baby milk to pay them by the next payday. I am in utter despair.”

He added that a black market has emerged for infant milk and it is one of the most commonly stolen from shops. In the past two years, the cheapest brand of formula has risen by 45%, with a tub now costing £14.50.

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Mr Webb raised the issue in the House of Commons and is calling on the government to consider the recommendations of a recent Competition Markets Authority (CMA) report. Thus, the CMA would procure infant formula itself and offer it to parents at a lower price, while putting downward pressure on the prices of other manufacturers.

He also says parents should be allowed to use food bank vouchers to buy baby milk and is calling for Healthy Start vouchers to rise to £8.50. Blackpool Better Start, which supports families of under-fives in the city’s most deprived areas, said it was essential that parents had as much support as possible “to feed their children safely”.

A spokesperson for Better Start said: “At Better Start, we are committed to promoting and protecting breastfeeding, but we know that many parents also use formula. That’s why we believe it’s vital to support parents to feed their babies safely, whatever method they choose.

“All formula milk made in the UK meets the same standards, so each brand will provide the same levels of nutrition. However, the cost of this formula can vary dramatically, with the cost of even the cheapest brands being out of reach for some families.

“We would welcome any action to ensure that the first stage formula is more accessible to the people of Blackpool and across the UK.”

There are fears the cost of baby milk could lead to malnutrition and digestive problems, with figures showing admissions to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for babies under one with gastrointestinal problems are almost three times the national average.

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