Andy Burnham will face MPs at Prime Minister's Questions after new inflation figures showed the rate at 3.5% for September, its highest level since 2025, and as the full new state pension is set to rise by around £500 a year in 2027.
The Prime Minister's appearance comes a week before Chancellor John Healey will set out the maiden Budget of this government on October 28. Healey has already ruled out tax increases and rejected calls from fellow ministers to hike capital gains tax, which applies to profit made from selling off assets like a house or shares.
State pension boost and inflation data
The £500 annual increase to the full new state pension follows the release of today's inflation figures. The 3.5% rate for September marks the highest level since 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Cabinet ministers Wes Streeting and Louise Haigh both backed raising capital gains tax over the summer, before Burnham became Prime Minister. Healey, however, ruled out the move after being told it could end up costing the Government money if wealthy people leave the country or defer selling off assets.
Jackdaw gas field approval
Today, the Prime Minister also revealed the controversial Jackdaw gas field in Scotland has been approved following a long-running legal battle. Burnham said the project will "protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm" and insisted the gas field would not hinder the Government's targets on renewable energy.
