Andy Burnham, the incoming MP for Makerfield who will be sworn in today, has confirmed plans to cut employers' National Insurance contributions and reduce business rates for pubs if he becomes Prime Minister. The proposal aims to support England's nightlife and protect thousands of pubs at risk of closure due to current government rates.
Details of the proposed policy
Burnham indicated he will examine slashing certain employers' national insurance contributions and lowering business rates for pubs. His proposal would see pubs, clubs and music venues benefit from a 20% reduction next year, according to Birmingham Live. Smaller, independent hospitality, leisure and retail firms would see the threshold for paying business rates lifted for the first time since 2017, removing many from the tax's reach entirely.
Burnham's statement on the policy
"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," Burnham said. "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."
"I am willing to be honest about where we have fallen short and say that my party has got this wrong in government," Burnham added. "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."
Context: Starmer's leadership
This comes amid reports that Sir Keir Starmer is not "in fighting mode", according to a minister who spoke to Sky News. Baroness Jacqui Smith told the programme she hasn't had a chat with Starmer over the weekend but mentioned she has "spoken to people close to [Starmer] who emphasise this point about the thinking that he's doing about the good of the country." She concluded: "I wouldn't say he was in fighting mode."
