New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announces his first cost-of-living measures by pledging to remove VAT from domestic electricity bills starting 1 October. Multiple outlets report the policy is part of a wider push to reduce pressure on household budgets. The BBC and other coverage describe the move as Burnham’s first major, costed announcement since taking office. HuffPost UK and The Guardian say the government funds the VAT cut by cancelling the planned Digital ID programme. HuffPost UK also links the change to an expected reduction in the energy price cap, reporting an estimate of £45. Other reporting focuses on the timing, with several outlets stating the policy takes effect from October, and that Burnham makes the announcement shortly after taking the role and ahead of early cabinet business.
Alongside the VAT change, HuffPost UK reports additional measures under consideration, including plans to cut business rates for parts of the hospitality sector by 20% and a £2 bus-fare cap, though these are presented as forthcoming details rather than fully confirmed in the same sources that cover the VAT policy.
