Here's how to report Portsmouth businesses that are inflating prices

Trading standards at Portsmouth City Council will be clamping down on and shops and traders unfairly hiking prices on goods as demand increases.

So far the team have received reports of businesses asking a higher price to that displayed, inflated prices for items such as cleaning products and toilet roll and traders making unsubstantiated health claims about products.

Deputy leader of the council, Councillor Steve Pitt, said: 'It's important that businesses all play fair during this crisis and don’t inflate prices for consumers for items which may be in higher demand than normal.

'Our shops and supermarkets are well stocked and managing customers' social distancing when they're shopping, and there's no need to hoard items, as it only deprives others.

'If businesses inflate prices, we want to know so that we can take action to make sure that everyone - especially the most vulnerable and our most valued NHS and key workers - are able to get what they need, when they need it and at a fair and reasonable price.

'We're all in this together and should continue to support each other in every way possible.'

It comes after readers of The News spotted shops around the Portsmouth area selling hand gel for £10 and packs of four toilet rolls for £5.

To report businesses search 'advice for residents during coronavirus' on the council website.

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