The new PM has placed strong emphasis on tackling the cost of living
Since entering office, Prime Minister Andy Burnham has moved quickly to outline a series of policies aimed at reducing the cost of living and supporting key sectors of the economy. His early programme places strong emphasis on energy bills, public transport, consumer protection and support for hospitality and cultural venues, reflecting his pledge to make the cost of living the central priority of his premiership.
One of Burnham’s headline measures is a cut to electricity taxes, designed to lower household energy bills at a time when many families continue to face pressure from rising living costs. The government argues that reducing the tax burden on electricity will provide immediate relief and help households manage essential expenses more easily.
Transport policy has also featured prominently. Burnham has confirmed a nationwide cap on bus fares at £2, extending a model first trialled in parts of England. The government says the cap will make public transport more affordable and encourage greater use of buses in both urban and rural areas. In addition, disabled passengers can travel for free on buses at any time of day, which improves accessibility and removes barriers to mobility.
Consumer Protection and support for the hospitality sector
Consumer protection is another area where Burnham has signalled early action. The government plans to introduce new rules making subscription services easier to cancel, addressing concerns about companies using complex or opaque processes to retain customers. Alongside this, ministers intend to crack down on misleading or “fake” discounts, with regulators given stronger powers to challenge retailers who advertise reductions that do not reflect genuine price changes.
Burnham has also announced support for pubs, clubs and music venues, sectors that have faced sustained financial pressure in recent years. The government is cutting business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues by 20 percent, a move it says will protect local nightlife, cultural spaces and community hubs.
Speaking about his priorities, Burnham said:
“Every day the cost of living is at the top of my mind. I will fight to give you more breathing space and make Britain better off.”
Taken together, Burnham’s early policies reflect a strategy focused on immediate financial relief, consumer fairness and support for local institutions. Whether these measures will deliver the broader economic shift he promises remains to be seen, but they mark a clear attempt to define his premiership around easing pressure on households and strengthening everyday services.
Personally I think that this is all BLAA! The first thing to do is to stop phone, electric, gas and water from raising their prices automatically annually to the ceiling amount and still giving us poor services. Secondly stop the mass invasion of foreigners by stopping payments to them, like by Christmas. Then spend money on true British people to make us a Christian and proud country again.
.