Your views on the rising costs of living in the UK

Food prices went up by nearly five per cent in the year up to April, according to new figures.

The British Retail Consortium says grocery bills haven't risen this fast since 2009.

It comes after Scottish Power announced it was putting up gas and electricity bills by 19 and 10% from August.

Other suppliers are likely to do the same over the next few months.

The rising cost of getting food and energy to the UK is being blamed on events around the world, including the Japanese tsunami and uprisings in places like Libya.

Newsbeat's been finding out how Radio 1 listeners in Northampton have been affected by price rises.

Kate is a make-up artist and recently decided to rent out her house and move in with friends. "Half the reason was that I couldn't be bothered to keep paying all the bills," she said.

"We split the bills now so it's a lot better. It was a big decision but you've got to have a social life."

She said the money she's saved is now being spent on "clothes, drinking and going out".

Kate's also noticed her grocery bills going up: "It's the little things like bread and milk. We go to the clearance bit at Tesco at the end of the day when they're putting everything out cheap. It goes mental there at six o'clock," she said.

Jamie lives and works at a golf course where he's in charge of the greens.

"Gas prices are extortionate," he said.

He thinks he was overcharged by his last energy company: "I had a bill for one month for £145. I called up to complain and they said that was correct.

"I took it further and they said it was incorrect so I've no idea what's happening with it.

"They said the only thing I could do was find a cheaper company, so I've switched."

Sinead and Craig spend about £30 a week on their food shopping and Craig hasn't noticed prices going up.

"Each week we end up with more as well, because what we don't eat just piles up, so I think we're actually gaining."

Craig is a Scottish Power customer though.

He said: "At the moment I pay £40 a month for electricity and gas.

"I don't think that's too bad, but I don't know how I'm going to be affected by the rise yet."