Energy bills, business rates and HS2: What are Burnham's potential policies?
Summary
Andy Burnham won the Makerfield by-election, boosting his chances to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party. Burnham has outlined several policy ideas focused on public control of utilities, social care reform, and expanding council housing, while committing to existing fiscal rules and no increases in major taxes.Key Facts
- Burnham respects Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ economic rules, meaning limited borrowing increases.
- He promises not to raise income tax, VAT, or National Insurance rates.
- Burnham supports stronger public control or ownership of water, energy, and transport services.
- Nationalising the water industry is estimated to cost £100 billion, though some dispute this amount.
- He proposes a "national care levy" to fund social care, replacing inheritance tax, aiming for free care and higher contributions from wealthier people.
- Reforming social care could cost between £7 billion and £17 billion by 2035/36, depending on the model used.
- Burnham wants to launch the largest council house building program since World War II, redirecting current affordable housing funds toward social rent homes.
- He expressed interest in reviving the northern leg of the HS2 rail project to improve regional transport.
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