New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces his first major cost-of-living measures by pledging to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills. Multiple outlets report the policy applies from 1 October, with coverage describing it as an immediate tax cut aimed at reducing household energy costs during the winter. The announcements are also framed as part of a wider “cost-of-living government” approach following Burnham’s entry into office. Reporting also states that the government links funding for the VAT removal to ending the previous administration’s Digital ID programme. While some coverage repeats Burnham’s position that cancelling Digital ID will pay for the energy VAT cut, at least one outlet reports criticism from a former minister who argues the overall package is not fully funded and that money may need to come from elsewhere. In addition to the electricity VAT change, one outlet reports Burnham is preparing further cost pressures relief, including a potential bus-fare cap, and plans to reduce business rates for hospitality, with the latter described as intended to support pubs and similar venues. Overall, the sources agree on the VAT-on-electricity headline policy and its October start date.