Andy Burnham promises cost-of-living support as chancellor tackles price gouging
Andy Burnham has promised more cost-of-living support as his chancellor vows to stop the public being “taken for a ride” on food and petrol prices, reports BritPanorama.
The prime minister has expressed his commitment to “take a little bit of pressure down” following feedback from voters regarding financial struggles. He emphasized the challenges many face by noting they cannot afford simple pleasures such as going out for drinks or taking holidays.
Burnham commenced his time in Downing Street with initiatives aimed at alleviating family costs, which include proposals for reducing VAT on energy bills and lowering business rates for pubs.
“People on whose doors I was knocking only about five, six weeks ago… They did get over to me how tough life was,” he told the Mirror. “Can’t go for drink anymore. Can’t take the kids out. Not having a holiday this year.”
He remarked on the resonance of those comments as he entered Downing Street, further stressing his awareness of voters’ hardships.
The prime minister criticized “outrageously” high rail fares, asserting they are a priority for his administration, but he hesitated to make promises he cannot keep. “It’s about looking across the piece,” he said, affirming his intention to be honest while addressing these challenges.
Chancellor John Healey has pledged to closely monitor potential price gouging at petrol stations and supermarkets amid ongoing fluctuations due to the conflict in Iran. He admitted that, while intervention efforts are forthcoming, “we can’t completely stop the squeeze” on families and businesses.
Healey indicated a readiness to act should unfair price increases emerge. “We’ll be watching closely for any suggestions that customers are being taken for a ride at the pump or the till,” he stated.
He acknowledged that despite companies’ cooperation during the crisis, any evidence of price gouging would be met with regulatory action. “Companies’ willingness to work with the Government throughout this crisis has been positive, and there has been no significant evidence of so-called price gouging,” he noted in The Telegraph.
Burnham’s nascent premiership features a series of measures aimed at reducing cost-of-living pressures, such as the VAT cut on energy bills and a cap on bus fares at £2 through 2027.
These initiatives, including lowered business rates for pubs and an expansion of technical training in schools, are expected to necessitate additional funding. Healey assures that his first budget, set for 28 October, will be “built on fiscal discipline.”
He and Burnham communicated to the cabinet that no extra funding accompanies the new commitments, as detailed in his letter to departmental heads.
Departments are advised to prepare to redirect resources from outdated or ineffective programs that do not align with the current administration’s priorities.
