Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been urged to slash business rates for pubs and other high street businesses as he embarks on a so-called “listening tour” of the country. The Labour leader is expected to announce a series of policies aimed at easing financial pressures on households, with many struggling with the cost of living.
The call comes from shadow chancellor Mel Stride, who accused Burnham of “breathtaking hypocrisy” and claimed Labour was “hammering our high streets” by forcing businesses to close with “red tape” policies. The Conservative MP also alleged that the government was “plotting to release dangerous criminals on to our streets”.
Stride said: “If Burnham is really serious about cutting the cost of living, he should adopt our plan for stronger high streets – including scrapping business rates for thousands of high street firms. And if he wants people to feel proud of the places where they live, he should scrap his disastrous plans to let vile criminals walk free.”
Prime Minister’s Pro-Consumer Agenda
Responding to the criticism, a spokesperson for Burnham said: “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. 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 to give people some room to breathe.”
Officials confirmed that the Prime Minister would be in “listening mode” as he spends much of the rest of August travelling the country to discuss the cost of living. Having promised to give the public “breathing space”, he is expected to unveil measures intended to help with bills, following on from cuts to energy costs and a £2 cap on bus fares announced in his first week in Downing Street.
Prison Release Controversy
The announcement comes as Burnham is reportedly considering blocking the early prison release of Pc Andrew Harper’s killers, after previously suggesting he was unable to keep them behind bars. A Government source told the Telegraph on Friday that the Prime Minister is prepared to “explore every option” to keep Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers in jail.
The dual focus on economic relief and criminal justice reflects Burnham’s attempt to address key voter concerns, though critics argue that the government’s policies are counterproductive. Stride’s remarks highlight a growing political divide over how to support struggling businesses and households.
As the listening tour gets underway, business groups and local leaders will be watching closely to see whether the Prime Minister’s promised measures will translate into tangible support for high streets, which have faced rising costs and declining footfall in recent years.
