Burnham expands relief package for households and pubs

24.07.2026 04:26 HotInfo 23

New British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, after taking office, expanded a series of measures aimed at the cost of living. After announcing a tax reduction on household electricity bills, the government also unveiled a 20 percent cut in business rates for pubs, clubs, and concert venues in England starting in April. hnonline.sk ↗

The cabinet estimates that a typical business will save approximately £1,100 in the next financial year. The package is worth £100 million, and the government is also announcing a review of relief for establishments labeled antisocial, including e-cigarette shops. Burnham had previously also promised to cap single bus tickets in England at two pounds starting in January, with the measure to be backed by funding of £454 million. seznamzpravy.cz ↗

Burnham is thus building on the first cabinet meeting, at which he described his government as a cost-of-living-focused cabinet. Part of the political shift also includes a departure from some of Keir Starmer's plans, including scrapping the planned digital ID for adults. The new prime minister has also rebuilt the government, moving John Healey to the finance ministry, with Anas Sarwar also joining the cabinet. seznamzpravy.cz ↗

Other topics, however, raise the question of financing. A group of 120 wealthy Britons, including Gary Lineker and Brian Eno, have called on Burnham to tax them more. The prime minister has also promised a review of the early prisoner release program, and his government will need to reconcile domestic social pledges with the foreign policy agenda led by Ed Miliband. Independent ↗