Andy Burnham has hit the ground running in his first months as Prime Minister, making a host of announcements aiming to get the British public onside. So far, eight major changes have been unveiled which are set to affect a variety of sectors. Mr Burnham says he wants to trigger growth in every postcode and safeguard families from the rising cost of living. Moreover, the premier wants to improve the country’s high streets, which many Brits believe to be in a dire state.
Today, he is hosting a series of meetings with business leaders in Downing Street, during which is expected to say that Britain has “everything it needs to succeed” but requires “a culture shift” in how it does business if it is to “unlock its full potential”. It comes as more than 800 hospitality companies urge him to set out how he will lower the rate of VAT from 20%. Celebrity chefs Heston Blumenthal and Tom Kerridge, as well as restaurants like Bill’s, Franco Manca, Pizza Express and Wagamama have signed a letter to Mr Burnham.
Below are the biggest changes announced so far.
Electricity VAT axed
The Government has announced that domestic electricity VAT will be cut from 5% to 0% on October 1.
Officials say this will cut bills by roughly £45 per year for standard households.
Mr Burnham said at the time: “Westminster has not been working for people for too long, with families struggling with the cost of living.
“That needs to change. I said I wanted to give people breathing space, and that’s what I’m announcing on my second day as Prime Minister.
“We’re taking immediate action to cut taxes on energy bills, put more money in people’s pockets and bring back hope.”
(Image: Getty)
Bus fare cap
The Prime Minister has announced that he is imposing a £2 cap on bus fares across England, outside London.
This will start on January 1.
The Government says millions of people will save a third on bus travel.
Mr Burnham said at the time: “Good, affordable transport links are an essential. No one should be priced out of those and left behind.
“But for too long, people have said that cheaper transport isn’t an option. I don’t accept that. I’ve done it before and I will do it again now: a £2 cap on bus fares for millions across the country.
“Lower fares will help people get to where they need to – giving them breathing space to help with the cost of living.
“As I said on my first day in office – I will build a country for everyone, everywhere. That means more connected communities, better access to opportunities, and a lighter load on people’s lives.”
(Image: Getty)
Hospitality business rates cut
Mr Burnham announced in July that pubs, clubs and live music venues would have their business rates cut by 20%.
The Prime Minister said at the time: “For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.
“This government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities. I said I would protect pubs and local high streets – the beating heart of our communities – and that’s what we will do. What we’re announcing today is just the start as we work to bring back hope across the country.”
But companies want the Government to go further and cut VAT.
(Image: Getty)
