Burnham flags Budget moves on household bills

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the government’s current actions are not delivering enough relief for households facing the cost of living crisis, and indicated additional measures are likely to be announced in the Budget on 28 October.

He described the emerging package as a set of smaller, practical changes rather than one major overhaul, aimed at improving affordability across everyday expenses. Burnham said the key choices will be set out when the Chancellor delivers the Budget statement.

Household bills and rail fares feature in the

Household bills and rail fares feature in the review Burnham highlighted utilities Burnham highlighted utilities, housing and rail fares as priorities where ministers are looking for ways to ease pressure on routine budgets. He said work is under way on measures that could make essential bills more manageable, but he avoided committing to specific policies before the Budget. On utilities and housing, Burnham pointed to stronger public oversight of the energy, water and housing sectors as an option being examined. He framed regulation as one possible lever, without detailing what new rules or enforcement tools might be used. He also identified rail fares as another area under consideration. However, he did not explain what changes to fare structures might involve, leaving uncertainty over who could benefit, which routes might be affected, and how quickly any adjustments could be implemented. Privatisation reversal discussed, but not positioned as fast relief Burnham said he has an interest in reversing elements of utility privatisation. At the same time, he warned that moves of that scale would be hard to deliver quickly, citing major logistical and economic hurdles. Because of those obstacles, he suggested the government is more likely to focus on measures that can be delivered sooner. He characterised that near-term approach as relying on targeted interventions and regulatory adjustments rather than large structural changes. Budget choices constrained by fiscal limits and tax pledges Burnham said fiscal constraints remain central as the government finalises the Budget package. He noted the Chancellor’s commitment to strict spending discipline, which he said reduces the scope for large new programmes funded by higher public outlays. He also pointed to manifesto pledges not to raise income tax, VAT, or National Insurance for working people. Burnham said these commitments narrow the available revenue options and increase reliance on policy design that does not depend on broad-based tax rises.

Business rates review adds to competing demands

Burnham said business groups are seeking additional relief Burnham said business groups are seeking additional relief following earlier increases in employer-related costs. He said a review of business rates is under way, but officials have not provided firm commitments ahead of the Chancellor’s formal Budget announcement.

Overall, Burnham’s comments left major questions unresolved, including the size, timing and structure of any actions on household bills, rail fares, regulation, and business costs. With 28 October approaching, he said the complete set of decisions will be presented by the Chancellor, with households and firms waiting for detail.