Andy Burnham has vowed to cut transport fares in London as part of his landmark economic reforms for Britain, aiming to lower the cost-of-living for millions of families across the UK.
Commitment to Public Control of Essential Services
Writing in The Standard, Burnham said: “All parts of the UK should be able to take greater public control of essential services such as water, housing, energy, and transport, learning from the model that has transformed our bus networks in Greater Manchester.” He added: “We will set out 10-year plans to bring down the cost of these essentials to individuals, families and businesses. For London, that means housing, energy and transport. It means taking the cost of rent, bills and fares seriously. It means making sure people are not left overpaying for the basics while their wages stand still and their communities are asked to accept less.”
Details and Funding Questions
As Burnham laid out his bold vision, it was not yet clear how many of his proposed measures would be paid for, particularly if funding for London is cut, and how it would affect different forms of public transport from the Tube, buses, trains, and trams.
Affordable Housing Pledge
In another ambitious pledge, Burnham promised more “homes people can afford” in boroughs across London including in the city centre where property prices are sky-high. His flagship “No10 North”, based in Manchester, will lead his programme to boost regional economies, including in London. “Working with local areas, Number 10 North will oversee the biggest council house building programme since the post-war era,” he told The Standard. “We will use vacant public land to reduce costs. We will adopt a national Housing First philosophy and we will put a secure home back where it belongs: at the foundation of working class aspiration.”
Specifics for London
He explained further: “For London, that means more council homes and genuinely affordable homes. It means homes people can afford in Brent, Greenwich, Tower Hamlets, Westminster and Hillingdon. It means towns and local centres with more life. It means high streets that are backed, not managed in decline.”
Scepticism and Challenges
Given the slow pace of home building in London, and the hammering that high street businesses have taken from Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ National Insurance rises on employers, Burnham will inevitably face scepticism over how he will deliver his promises. He is set to become Prime Minister on July 20, unless there is a surprise challenger for the Labour leadership, after Sir Keir Starmer was forced to resign by a huge Labour revolt.
Devolution Plans
Former Greater Manchester Mayor Burnham has announced plans for the “biggest devolution of power in modern times” which would see tens of thousands of jobs being moved out of Whitehall. Billions more in public spending would be channelled to the regions as part of his plan to rebalance Britain’s economy. Regional mayors, including Sir Sadiq Khan, would get more powers over housing and education.
Balancing London and Regions
Burnham is seeking to show that he will not be anti-London if he gains the keys to No10. But Sir Sadiq has warned him not to cut investment for London as he tries to boost other regional economies. Burnham has also sought to reassure the markets that he will not jettison Ms Reeves’ fiscal rules. He has also been warned that he would risk an exodus of bankers from London if he hits the City with a new windfall tax of up to £60 billion over four years.
