Andy Burnham, the newly sworn-in MP for Makerfield and potential next UK Prime Minister, has announced plans to slash employers' National Insurance contributions and lower business rates for pubs across England. The policy, which could save thousands of establishments from closure, comes as Burnham positions himself for a leadership bid following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation.
Key Policy Details
Burnham's proposal would see pubs, clubs, and music venues benefit from a 20% reduction in business rates next year, according to BirminghamLive. Smaller independent hospitality, leisure, and retail firms would also see the threshold for paying business rates lifted for the first time since 2017, removing many from the tax's reach entirely.
Burnham's Criticism of Current Government
Speaking about the Labour government's current policies, Burnham said: “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.” He added: “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.”
High Streets and Family Businesses
Burnham emphasised the importance of protecting high streets and family-owned businesses: “I am willing to be honest about where we have fallen short and say that my party has got this wrong in government. They have undervalued the contribution these businesses make to our livelihoods and our communities. Our high streets matter to me because they matter to the people who live here. I want to make sure that these family-owned businesses, as the heart and soul of this country, are protected and given the chance to thrive.”
Leadership Context
Burnham, who has twice run for Labour leader and missed out, now sees a clear path following Starmer's resignation on Monday. Labour MPs have begun to rally around the new MP, whose policy ideas could impact pubs across all of England.
