West Essex town and local government district
UK prime minister Andy Burnham has taken office and pledged to deliver real change while promising a fully funded package to ease the cost of living. He is reshaping the cabinet, signaling a shift from the Starmer era, with Healey as chancellor and a plan to lay out a 10-year vision for Britain. Markets reacted with caution as investors weigh higher borrowing against intervention in the economy.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a 20% business rates reduction for nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs and live music venues in England from April 2027, a package the government says will save a typical pub about £1,100 a year and cost roughly £100m. Ministers are proposing to fund it by reviewing reliefs for vape shops and cracking down on online tax non-compliance.
The No 10 North operation in Manchester is expanding to bring devolution and local growth decisions closer to postcodes across the country. Burnham chairs the NEC from Manchester, with regional mayors and business leaders involved as scrutiny grows over costs and reach.
Westminster Council’s draft licensing policy discourages vertical drinking and table service in the West End to curb noise and disorder. The plan is open for consultation and has drawn sharp reactions from hospitality groups, the Mayor of London, and Prime Minister allies, who argue devolved powers must support nightlife.