Andy Burnham’s first two weeks as prime minister have been marked by a significant flurry of policy announcements, as the former mayor has sought to delineate a clear departure from his predecessor, reports BritPanorama.
His tenure has begun positively; the leader’s approval ratings have risen sharply since he entered Number 10, with a recent More in Common poll showing Mr Burnham at a net 19-point approval rating, surpassing any levels achieved by Sir Keir Starmer during his time in office.
Upon reaching a fortnight in power, Mr Burnham emphasized that his government would pursue a “clear political direction, rooted in the values [the Labour] movement was built on.”
“I’m not going to be shy about it: this is the start of a complete rewiring of economic and political power in Britain,” he stated in a commentary for LabourList.
Initially focusing on the cost of living, early pledges have since expanded to areas including education, social care, immigration, and more. Details on these announcements are expected in Chancellor John Healey’s first Budget, scheduled for 28 October, where crucial funding mechanisms will be clarified. Experts warn that this could imply forthcoming tax increases.
Confirmed policies from the Burnham administration include:
Energy bill VAT cut
One of Mr Burnham’s first actions was to scrap VAT on household electricity bills starting in October, which is projected to reduce average household energy costs by £45. The Treasury indicated that this VAT elimination would cost approximately £850 million this financial year, funded by cancelling the planned Digital ID programme.
However, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) flagged in November that the funding for the Digital ID scheme remains “unfunded,” relying on unidentified savings from departmental budgets.
Mr Burnham also expressed interest in examining energy bill standing charges and water costs, as discussed in a recent interview with The Mirror.
Bus fares capped
On the third day of his premiership, Mr Burnham announced the reinstatement of the £2 bus fare cap, reversing an increase imposed by his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer. Funding for this cap will partly come from converting grants for international climate projects into repayable loans.
Mr Burnham’s next target may be train fares; he stated on Sunday, “I think rail fares are too high, outrageously so in some instances. So that’s something that’s in my sights,” in remarks to The Mirror.
A plan to end rough sleeping
In his inaugural address, Mr Burnham declared that his “first instruction” would be to “end rough sleeping in our country.” Further details released by Number 10 included £340 million allocated to acquire suitable homes, focus on those most in need, and commence housing and support services “without delay.”
This funding is set to provide 1,200 homes and intensive support for at least 3,000 long-term rough sleepers over a five-year span, according to the government.
Number 10 North
Among Mr Burnham’s flagship proposals is the establishment of an outpost for Downing Street in Manchester, known as “No 10 in the North.” Heron House, a governmental building partly occupied by GCHQ, will temporarily serve as headquarters, with Mr Burnham committing to work from the location one day a week.
Business rates rebalanced
Mr Burnham announced a 20 per cent cut in business rates for pubs, clubs, and music venues in England, fulfilling a campaign promise. This new rate is projected to save the average pub around £1,100 from April, with the £100 million initiative fully funded through a review of business reliefs for establishments that “do not make a positive contribution to local communities,” such as vape shops.
Tax sharing for mayors
Under new devolution plans, metro mayors across England will be empowered to retain a portion of locally raised tax revenue. Mr Burnham confirmed this policy during a visit to Leeds, stating that regions require “true financial autonomy, not just hand-outs from Westminster.”
This policy will allow more mayors to keep a share of business rates collected in their area starting in spring, and eventually a percentage of income tax as well.
Education overhaul
Mr Burnham has proposed a major revision of the education system, aimed at shifting focus away from university paths towards technical qualifications. Under the new framework, students will have the option to blend core academic subjects like English, maths, and science with technical education relevant to local job markets.
This pathway will be available from age 14, starting in Year 10, allowing students to gain work experience with local employers.
Social care reforms
Promising extensive reform for the social care system, Mr Burnham pledged to immediately enhance workforce conditions by integrating staff with the NHS to improve pay and job security. He also announced a hastened timeline for Baroness Louise Casey’s commission into social care, moving its deadline from 2028 to next year.
Tackling small boat crossing
The prime minister asserted that his government would be “relentless” in its efforts to decrease the number of individuals arriving in the UK via small boats. These claims came alongside support for new Home Office statistics indicating that the number of National Crime Agency (NCA) officers tackling smuggling gangs has risen to nearly 800, up from 376 at the beginning of last year — a notable increase.
Nuclear renewal
On the defense front, Mr Burnham has announced an £8.4 billion investment in the UK’s nuclear deterrent as part of the fourth phase of the UK’s Dreadnought Class submarine program. The Ministry of Defence asserts that this funding will increase job numbers on the nuclear programme from 47,000 to 65,000 by 2030, including an aim for 20,000 apprenticeships by 2035.
