LONDON — British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to announce a series of measures aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures as he begins a nationwide tour focused on his long-term plan to improve living standards and revive high streets.
Downing Street said the measures, expected to be rolled out in the coming days, would seek to “give people some room to breathe,” with a particular focus on consumer protections and everyday costs.
“He thinks Westminster has got used to telling people that everyday hassles — like hidden pricing and consumers being ripped off — must be accepted as part of life,” a spokesman for the prime minister said.
“He doesn’t think that’s right. That’s why he’s going to start rolling out a series of pro-consumer cost-of-living measures.”
Burnham, returning from a holiday this week, will also embark on a tour of the UK’s nations and regions, where Downing Street said he would be in “listening mode” as he develops a 10-year plan to “bring back hope and make Britain better off.”
The government is under pressure to take stronger action on living costs, although major spending measures are considered unlikely before the October Budget.
Chancellor John Healey has pledged to maintain “strong fiscal discipline,” potentially limiting the scope for significant government spending.
Burnham’s return will also be overshadowed by controversy surrounding the government’s early-release scheme for prisoners in England and Wales, which is due to begin in October.
One of Burnham’s first actions after becoming prime minister was to order a review that narrowed eligibility for the scheme. However, people convicted of manslaughter remain eligible, including two men convicted over the killing of police officer Andrew Harper.
Harper’s family, former senior police officers and opposition politicians have urged Burnham to prevent the pair from qualifying for early release.
The prime minister has said further restrictions could put unsustainable pressure on prison capacity, and Downing Street said Saturday that his position had not changed.
The Ministry of Justice has warned that the prison population could exceed capacity as early as November. The latest figures showed 86,495 people imprisoned in England and Wales, representing more than 97% of usable capacity.
Opposition parties also criticized Burnham’s approach to the cost-of-living crisis.
Shadow chancellor Mel Stride accused the government of imposing taxes and regulations that were hurting businesses, destroying jobs and increasing prices.
Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper said struggling high streets needed more than a “vanity tour,” calling instead for changes to business taxes, a VAT reduction for hospitality businesses and measures targeting vacant commercial properties.
Source: Saudi Gazette