Andy Burnham has said British people are being ripped off on the cost of living, as he called for a new approach to tackle soaring bills.
Burnham's criticism
The Greater Manchester mayor, writing in the Guardian, said that the UK's energy, housing, and water markets are failing consumers. He argued that a lack of competition and regulation is allowing companies to charge excessive prices.
Burnham pointed to the fact that the UK has some of the highest energy costs in Europe, while water bills are also rising sharply. He said that housing costs are out of control, with many people unable to afford a decent home.
Call for action
Burnham called for a new settlement that puts the interests of the public first. He suggested that regional leaders should be given more powers to hold companies to account and to ensure that essential services are run for the benefit of the people.
He also said that the government must be prepared to intervene where markets are failing, and that there should be a stronger role for public ownership in key sectors.
Burnham's comments come as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit households across the UK, with inflation running at high levels and wages failing to keep pace.
