Rising cost of living in the UK
This briefing covers rising prices including food and energy inflation, Government support, and how the cost of living affects households.

There are no official statistics on online pet sales in the UK. However, vets are reporting an increasing number bought online. A debate on e-petition 587654 on the regulation of online animal sales is due to take place in Westminster Hall on 13 December 2021.
Regulating online sales of pets (132 KB , PDF)
Animal welfare is a devolved matter: this brief covers the position in England only. There is no legislation that is specific to acquiring a pet online in England, although regulations do cover some of the issues that arise regularly with online sales.
In addition, the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) has set minimum voluntary standards for both private and commercial advertisers, and advertising websites, to comply with. These aim to address some of the concerns about online sales of pets, including poor welfare standards and commercial breeders masquerading as private sellers.
There have been calls for increased regulation of online pet sales. This includes a Parliamentary e-petition 587654 #reggies law – regulate online animal sales from the Justice for Reggie campaign, which received 109,003 signatures and closed on 7 December 2021. A debate on the petition is scheduled in Westminster Hall on 13 December 2021.
The Government response to the petition set out the work of PAAG, and its own Petfishing campaign. It also highlighted existing regulations on selling animals, the ban on third party sales of puppies and kittens under six months and proposed legislation on the import of pets.
The Government also announced an Online Advertising Programme which will look at the regulation of online advertising and whether there is a case for strengthening the regulatory framework. A consultation is expected
Regulating online sales of pets (132 KB , PDF)
This briefing covers rising prices including food and energy inflation, Government support, and how the cost of living affects households.
Information on business and consumer confidence surveys. This is generally released ahead of official statistical data and can indicate changes to the economic outlook.
The government has announced a ban on American XL Bully dogs in England and Wales that will come into force on 31 December 2023.