Andy Burnham, the newly elected Labour MP for Makerfield, has outlined his clearest plan yet for Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) welfare and benefits spending should he become Prime Minister. In an interview with LBC, Burnham ruled out making “crude” cuts to benefit levels, warning such moves would “rightfully create backlash” and push struggling people into deeper poverty.
Burnham’s Sustainable Approach to Reducing the Welfare Bill
Instead of slashing benefits, Burnham proposes a long-term, sustainable reduction in the welfare bill through targeted investments. Key measures include expanding apprenticeships, providing free bus travel for 16- to 18-year-olds, and building more council homes. He argued that these steps would lower housing benefit costs and improve youth opportunities without inflicting hardship.
“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,” Burnham told LBC. “There’s a different approach, which is looking at two things that can be done differently to get the overall benefits bill down.”
Focus on Youth and Technical Education
Burnham criticised the current education system for being “overly focused on the university route” and failing to provide clear paths to technical qualifications. He pledged to support young people by ensuring they have access to training and employment opportunities. “What I’ve done in Greater Manchester is something that might be looked at more broadly: free bus travel for 16- to 18-year-olds, so that they can access those opportunities,” he said.
Council Homes to Cut Housing Benefit Costs
Another pillar of Burnham’s plan is increasing the supply of council housing. He argued that building more council homes would bring down the housing benefit bill over time. “If you build more council homes, you can bring down the housing benefit bill. You do it over a longer term, in a more sustainable way,” he explained.
Fiscal Discipline and Record in Greater Manchester
Burnham defended his fiscal record, emphasising his experience as a Treasury minister and former Health Secretary. He stressed that his approach to public finances is disciplined and that his management of Greater Manchester’s budget has been “rock solid.” He expressed frustration at narratives suggesting otherwise, stating, “My record says otherwise.”
Burnham’s comments come amid ongoing national debate over welfare spending and the cost of living. His proposals aim to differentiate him from both Conservative austerity measures and more radical Labour spending plans, positioning him as a centrist focused on sustainable reform.
