Andy Burnham, the newly sworn MP for Makerfield, has announced plans to introduce a new rule for all pubs across England if he becomes Prime Minister. In an interview with BBC's Newsnight, Burnham stated he would reconsider the increase in employers' national insurance contributions implemented in the 2024 budget and proposed lowering business rates for pubs, clubs, and music venues by 20% next year.
Proposed Changes to Business Rates and National Insurance
Burnham's proposals include a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs, and music venues. Smaller independent hospitality, leisure, and retail businesses would see the threshold for paying business rates increased for the first time since 2017, removing many from the tax scope. He also expressed willingness to revisit the employers' national insurance hike, saying, "I have said that I thought the weight of the burden on employers' national insurance wasn't the right decision. However, it was the decision."
Support for Small Businesses
Burnham emphasized the need to listen to small businesses, stating, "There is more that needs to be done to listen to the voice of small business, and as I've gone around this constituency, I'm hearing it a lot. People just feel they are at the kind of limits of what they can do." He acknowledged that the Labour government had "undervalued the contribution these businesses make to our livelihoods and our communities."
Background and Political Context
Burnham was sworn in as MP for Makerfield on June 22 and announced his intention to run for Prime Minister after Sir Keir Starmer stepped down earlier that day. His proposals aim to protect family-owned businesses, which he described as "the heart and soul of this country," and give them a chance to thrive amid concerns that thousands of licensed premises could face closure due to current rates.
