Andy Burnham has declared there will be no "crude cuts" to benefits should he become the next Prime Minister, instead pledging a "different approach" to reducing the welfare bill. The Makerfield MP believes focusing on helping young people into employment and rebalancing the education system are key to lowering spending.
Rejecting Crude Cuts
Speaking to LBC, Burnham said: "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." This follows last year's failed attempt to reduce spending on sickness and disability support by £5bn.
A New Direction for Welfare
Burnham outlined a strategy centred on youth employment and technical education. "There's a different approach, which is looking at two things that can be done differently to get the overall benefits bill down. One of those is how we support young people," he said. He criticised the education system for being "overly focused on the university route" and failing to provide clear paths to technical qualifications.
"Too many young people get to Year 10 at school, and they can't see where school is taking them, because the system isn't focusing on those young people. We need an education system balanced between academic and technical. And then at 16, I believe we need the guarantee of a work placement for 16 to 18 year olds, apprenticeships for every 16 to 18 year old who wants one."
Tax and Business Rates
Burnham confirmed he would not break Labour's manifesto pledges on tax, which ruled out hikes to National Insurance, VAT and income tax. However, he sees scope for movement on business rates. "I stick by the manifesto and the promises that it made, so let me be absolutely clear about that. But there is some room within that manifesto for movement on tax."
He proposed higher business rates for large warehouses on the outskirts of cities to fund cuts for smaller 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. And I've proposed a 20% cut and to lift some high street businesses out of business rates altogether."
Energy Costs and Public Control
On energy, Burnham argued households and businesses are being overcharged. "People are paying too much, but businesses are also paying too much. And that is certainly true of energy. And 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 businesses breathing space." He added that on the doorstep in Makerfield, voters emphasised the need to put more money back into people's pockets.
Culture Change in Westminster
Burnham also addressed the need for cultural change in Westminster, hinting at tensions under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership. "I do think Westminster needs quite significant culture change. It does feel a more fragmented place, unhappier in many ways. And I think we do need to rediscover a sense of team spirit. I personally don't think the whip should be used to punish people who have a vote on a matter of conscience."
When asked if this was a criticism of Starmer, Burnham said: "I didn't see that (MPs being suspended) done in the Blair and Brown years. I do think we've got to find a better way of involving people in the work of the government. MPs have got a lot to offer, but I also think we need to empower them."
Chancellor Speculation
Burnham expressed frustration over speculation about his future Chancellor, with names like Wes Streeting, Shabana Mahmood and Ed Miliband being discussed. "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. And I very deliberately have said 'no, I'm going to set out a new direction for the country'."
