Burnham defends Budget as bold despite economic constraints

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 00:27 · Archive

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has defended the Budget against criticism that it is insufficiently ambitious.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has defended the Budget against criticism that it lacks boldness. He told broadcasters there are 'strong signs that the economy will improve over the coming years' and that the Government has met its fiscal rules through 'a very prudent and stable approach'. However, he acknowledged the Government does not have 'huge room for manoeuvre'.

Burnham highlighted several measures as evidence of boldness: a council tax cut this winter to help 20 million households with energy costs, lifting 70,000 businesses out of business rates to support high streets, and taking VAT off people's electricity bills. He said the Government is 'doing what we can to support people in difficult times'.

The response from think tanks and opposition parties was critical. The Institute for Fiscal Studies said the Budget's 'raft of fiddly measures' would do little to boost growth and warned it delayed tough decisions. The Resolution Foundation said Chancellor John Healey had 'spread the jam thin'. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said the Budget is 'not good enough, not strong enough, not bold enough'. Reform UK's Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick described it as a 'nothing burger'.

Burnham defends Budget as bold despite economic constraints — Image: Independent Business

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How it is being reported

‘Budget is bold enough’ despite limited ‘room for manoeuvre’, Andy Burnham saysThe influential Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank said the Budget’s ‘raft of fiddly measures’ would do little to boost growth.Independent Business · 29 Oct, 00:01
‘Budget is bold enough’ despite limited ‘room for manoeuvre’, Andy Burnham saysThe influential Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank said the Budget’s ‘raft of fiddly measures’ would do little to boost growth.Evening Standard · 29 Oct, 00:01

In this story: Andy Burnham · John Healey · Kemi Badenoch · Robert Jenrick · Institute for Fiscal Studies · Resolution Foundation

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