Burnham Admits Cost-of-Living Aid Falls Short, Eyes 28 October Budget Support

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 12

Andy Burnham said his cost-of-living measures are not enough on their own and promised an "accumulation of smaller things" to ease pressure on household budgets.
28 October is now the key date: Burnham said Chancellor John Healey will make further cost-of-living help the Budget's "main focus," though strong fiscal discipline will limit room for spending.
Burnham pointed to possible longer-term changes rather than immediate pledges, including overhauling rail fares and seeking more public control of energy, water and housing, while conceding reversing water privatization would be difficult.
Recent steps have included removing VAT from domestic energy bills, ending subscription traps earlier and granting pubs, social clubs and live music venues a 20% business-rates cut from April.
The next package will be shaped by tight political constraints, with Labour ruling out higher income tax, VAT and national insurance for workers even as think tanks warn taxes may need to rise or spending be cut.