Burnham to tour UK asking people how he should tackle cost of living and stop people being ripped off

Andy Burnham is set to launch a national tour this week, seeking public input on how the government can improve their lives.

Officials confirmed he will be in “listening mode” throughout August, travelling the country to discuss the cost of living.

Having promised “breathing space”, Mr Burnham is expected to unveil new measures to help with bills.

Mr Burnham said on his first day in office that he did not want to end his time as prime minister without taking the difficult decisions needed to tackle England’s social care crisis, which he said had bedevilled governments for almost three decades.

He has also begun his tenure in Downing Street with a series of measures aimed at easing financial pressure on families, including cutting VAT on energy bills, reducing business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues, and capping bus fares at £2.

However, the Conservatives have challenged Mr Burnham to explain how he plans to fund the pledges, questioning where the money for his various commitments will come from.

The upcoming tour will also see Mr Burnham focus on improving high streets. Officials stated this summer engagement will inform his 10-year plan for the country.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister added he would be “getting out of Westminster and meeting people where they are”.

They added: “He thinks Westminster has got used to telling people that everyday hassles – like hidden pricing and consumers being ripped off – must be accepted as part of life.

“He doesn’t think that’s right. That’s why he’s going to start rolling out a series of pro-consumer cost-of-living measures to give people some room to breathe.”

With the fallout of the Iran war keeping inflation higher than expected, the cost of living remains a major concern among the public.

A poll published by Ipsos at the end of July found 30% of people listed the economy as a major concern while 22% listed inflation or prices specifically.

But opposition figures have accused Mr Burnham of “tinkering” with his announcements.

Reform UK’s economic spokesman Robert Jenrick said the Prime Minister should “scrap green levies and taxes on energy bills”, and rule out tax rises in October’s budget.

He added: “It’s high time the Labour Party cut the ballooning benefits bill so we can relieve pressure on the hardworking majority that hold our country together.”