British Conservative politician and long-serving MP
Andy Burnham has unveiled an early set of measures aimed at easing the cost of living and expanding devolved power, while moving to shift executive weight to No 10 North. The week has featured VAT cuts on electricity, a 2 bus-fare cap, and business relief for pubs and small venues as the new government lays out its approach.
Prime minister has announced an 850 million VAT cut on household electricity bills from October, funded by scrapping the Digital ID programme. The move is part of a broader plan to ease the cost of living, with ministers pledging to pass savings through to consumers as cabinet reshuffles unfold.
The new government is implementing a VAT cut on electricity bills and a 2 bus fare cap, funded by redirecting savings from a scrapped digital ID programme. Officials say the measures will reduce household costs, while ministers debate expanding the personal allowance. Updates indicate the plan is moving ahead despite questions about funding and timing.
New research proposes a 2% wealth tax on households with £100m+ assets to raise revenues and narrow inequality. The plan, authored by Gabriel Zucman and Ben Tippet, would require HMRC to assess total wealth, including private firms, assets, and charitable holdings, and would apply for a decade after wealth holders leave the UK. Prime Minister Burnham hints at tax reforms as discussions continue.
Former Greater Manchester mayor Burnham has entered Downing Street and is advocating to reform England’s social care system. He argues that the current funding model leaves many older people impoverished and calls on governments to face the issue and implement a funding solution.
The government has pledged to tackle England’s social care crisis with cross-party reforms, but critics are demanding clarity on funding as ministers insist plans will require tough choices and fiscal headroom.
Mayors will keep a share of income tax and business rates from 2027-28, replacing central grants and empowering local areas to fund transport, housing and jobs. The reform is pitched as the biggest transfer of power in a generation, with details to be announced in the autumn budget as Burnham leads devolution push.
Labour has set October 28 for its autumn budget, pledging fiscal discipline. Ministers say the plan will fund devolution, defence and growth while maintaining the party’s rules, even as borrowing costs rise and the Iran conflict strains public finances.
The Independent reports that an encounter at the Apostolic Palace shows a close, informal exchange between Pope Leo and a prominent, non-Catholic music figure, underscoring a mood of openness following the pope’s death and a resurgence of cultural diplomacy.
The new Prime Minister has launched a UK‑wide listening tour to hear people’s cost‑of‑living concerns. He has unveiled measures including VAT cuts on energy bills, a bus‑fare cap, and business‑rates relief for pubs and venues, while signalling further action in the budget and on high streets. He is travelling to communities to inform a long‑term plan.
The prime minister has accelerated plans to make订 subscriptions easier to cancel and to curb deceptive discounts, bringing forward the changes to January 2027. A broader review of “everyday fixes” is under way as part of a wider effort to ease household costs.
Public borrowing in July stands at 1.8 billion, above forecasts, with four-month deficit at 56.7 billion. Tax receipts hit a record for July, but spending growth outpaced receipts, keeping debt near 3 trillion and GDP share at about 94%. Chancellor Healey to unveil October Budget amid fiscal discipline pledges.
Independent review led by Jerry Schurder will probe how pubs and hotels are valued for business rates, with March 2027 target for findings. The government has cut pub rates by 20% from April next year and is weighing broader reforms to the system.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told Labour MPs he will not cast a vote on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill when it returns to the Commons on 11 September. He has written that he has personal views but will not influence the debate and has asked ministers to avoid public advocacy so MPs can exercise a free vote.
The Conservative leader has reshuffled her top team, replacing several long-standing figures with new faces and signalling a broader shift in economic policy. Key changes include Claire Coutinho moving to shadow business secretary, Andrew Griffith taking the lead on economic policy, and Tom Tugendhat entering the shadow cabinet in a prominent role. The move comes ahead of Parliament's return and a Tory conference later this year.
The Conservative leader has reshuffled her shadow cabinet ahead of Parliament’s return, appointing Andrew Griffith as shadow chancellor and Claire Coutinho as shadow business secretary. Tom Tugendhat and Priti Patel shift roles; James Cleverly steps aside to pursue a London mayoral bid. The changes aim to strengthen the party’s economic team while inviting scrutiny over credibility.
Burnham has presented a three-hour Commons statement outlining a plan to restore growth and reduce the deficit, while defending his early tax cuts as the economy faces rising borrowing costs and market volatility.
Andy Burnham has unveiled a long-term plan to recover the economy, restore public confidence and tighten control over essential services. He has pledged to fund defence commitments, cut household bills and reframe public ownership, while signalling a shift toward problem-solving governance.
Reform UK has received two large donations totaling £72m from crypto billionaires Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne. The money is aimed at expanding the party’s reach with more staff, targeted campaigning and stronger policy preparation, while police investigations into donor rules and questions of influence mount. The donation surge raises questions about the role of money in politics as campaigns gear up for upcoming byelections and local elections.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that the state pension will keep its annual rise until April 2030, but from 2030 will no longer automatically rise with yearly average earnings. The government says the change will free savings to help fund a National Care Service; analysts say initial savings will be small and political opposition is already forming.