Burnham cuts power tax, caps bus fares in first week as UK PM
Why it matters: The early cost-of-living moves test Labour's fiscal discipline as higher energy prices threaten Burnham's agenda.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham used his first week in office to roll out three cost-of-living measures, seeking a sharp break from predecessor Keir Starmer's approach. Burnham moved to scrap a tax on household electricity bills, impose a cap on most bus fares in England and cut business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs and live music venues. He has framed the package as a reordering of spending, even as critics question whether it weakens Labour's budget discipline. Burnham also opened a new "No. 10 North" office in Manchester, where he plans to work at least once a week as part of a push for greater devolution in England.