Andy Burnham, the Prime Minister-in-waiting, has ruled out implementing 'crude cuts' to benefits that would push people into greater poverty, while outlining a tax shake-up and measures to reduce energy costs. In an interview with LBC, Burnham emphasized a 'different approach' to reducing the welfare bill, focusing on supporting young people into work rather than slashing benefit levels.
Welfare Reform and Youth Employment
Burnham criticized the previous government's attempt under Keir Starmer to cut £5 billion from sickness and disability benefits, which was eventually abandoned. He stated: 'I'm not going to go with the crude cuts to benefit levels that then just put people who are struggling in even worse poverty, and that often creates the backlash, and understandably so.' Instead, he proposed a dual strategy: improving support for young people and rebalancing the education system between academic and technical routes. 'Too many young people get to Year 10 at school and they can't see where school is taking them,' he said, advocating for a guarantee of work placements for 16- to 18-year-olds and apprenticeships for all who want them.
Tax Pledges and Business Rates Overhaul
Burnham affirmed his commitment to Labour's manifesto pledges not to raise National Insurance, VAT, or income tax. However, he identified room for movement on business rates, proposing higher rates on large warehouses to fund a 20% cut for pubs and an exemption for some high street businesses. 'I believe there is a case for higher business rates on warehouses and the major developments we see on the outskirts of our cities so that we can cut business rates for pubs,' he explained.
Energy Costs and Public Control
Addressing energy costs, Burnham said Britons are paying too much and pledged to drive down bills through greater public control over water, energy, and transport. 'What I would do if successful is lay out a plan for more public control over water, energy, transport so that over the period we can get those bills down, fares down, and give people and give businesses breathing space,' he stated. He emphasized the need for 'breathing space' for both individuals and businesses, citing feedback from constituents in Makerfield.
Westminster Culture and Leadership Style
Burnham also called for a cultural change in Westminster, describing it as 'fragmented' and 'unhappier' than when he left. He criticized the use of the whip to punish MPs on matters of conscience, saying it did not occur under Tony Blair or Gordon Brown. 'I do think we've got to find a better way of involving people in the work of the government,' he said. When asked if he was criticizing Keir Starmer, Burnham replied that he didn't see such suspensions in the Blair and Brown years.
Chancellor Speculation
On the subject of his future Chancellor, Burnham dismissed speculation about candidates such as Wes Streeting, Shabana Mahmood, and Ed Miliband, confirming he has not yet made a decision. 'It's been a little frustrating for me in the last two weeks, because Westminster goes into its normal mode and it wants to endlessly speculate about personalities before policy and before direction,' he said, reiterating his focus on setting a new direction for the country.
