Andy Burnham is set to launch a national tour this week aimed at finding out what the Government can do to ease the pressure on households, with ministers preparing further measures on the cost of living. Officials said the Prime Minister will spend much of August in “listening mode”, travelling beyond Westminster to hear directly from voters about bills, services and the state of their local communities. ‘Room to Breathe’ Becomes Summer Mission The tour will feed into the Government’s long-term plans, with further measures expected after energy cost reductions and a £2 cap on bus fares were announced during his first week in Downing Street. High streets will also be a major focus, as the Government looks to tackle everyday costs and improve town centres. A spokesperson said the Prime Minister wanted to meet people “where they are” rather than remain inside Westminster. The pressure is mounting. Inflation has remained higher than expected following the fallout from the Iran war, while an Ipsos poll found 30% of people named the economy as a major concern and 22% specifically cited inflation or prices. Opposition Brands Tour a ‘Vanity’ Exercise The political attacks have already begun, with opponents accusing Mr Burnham of offering little more than incremental measures while households and businesses struggle. Reform economic spokesman Robert Jenrick called for green levies and taxes on energy bills to be scrapped, alongside a pledge not to raise taxes in October’s Budget. He also demanded cuts to the benefits bill. High Streets Become the Next Political Battleground Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride accused Labour of driving up costs through tax rises and red tape, while Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper said struggling businesses needed more than a summer tour. Opposition parties are pushing their own prescriptions, including changes to business rates, VAT relief for hospitality and action against empty shopfronts. With the Government promising to tackle the cost of living and revive Britain's high streets, the summer listening exercise is becoming a test of whether voters hear meaningful action — or simply another round of political promises. Burnham to kick off national tour to hear cost-of-living concerns
