Prime Minister Burnham to announce cost-of-living measures amid prisoner release row
Downing Street confirms plans to ease financial pressures but faces criticism over early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham will announce a series of measures aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis in the next few days, Downing Street said on 10 August. The plans are intended to provide financial relief for households and address concerns over hidden pricing and consumer exploitation.
The announcement comes as Burnham prepares to embark on a UK-wide tour, focusing on high streets and gathering public input for a 10-year economic plan. Downing Street described the tour as an opportunity for the prime minister to listen to communities and shape long-term policies to restore economic confidence.
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Prisoner release scheme draws criticism
The government is facing sustained criticism over its early release scheme for prisoners in England and Wales, set to begin in October. Under the scheme, two men convicted of manslaughter in the killing of PC Andrew Harper will be eligible for release from next year.
PC Harper’s family, former senior police officers, and opposition politicians have urged the government to exclude the killers from the scheme. Burnham ordered a review upon taking office, which narrowed eligibility but did not remove manslaughter convictions from the list.
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Downing Street said on 10 August that the prime minister’s position remains unchanged. A spokesperson stated that further exclusions would risk overcrowding in prisons, a claim disputed by critics. The Conservatives accused the government of prioritising prisoner releases over public safety.
This is breathtaking hypocrisy from Burnham… they are forcing businesses to close, destroying jobs and driving up prices for the public.
Mel Stride, Shadow Chancellor
High streets and fiscal constraints
Burnham’s tour will also address the decline of high streets, a key concern for local businesses. However, significant interventions are unlikely before the October Budget. Chancellor John Healey has emphasised fiscal discipline, limiting the government’s ability to introduce large-scale spending measures.
Opposition parties have criticised the government’s approach. Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper called for an emergency VAT cut for hospitality and reforms to business rates. Reform UK’s economic spokesman Robert Jenrick urged the government to scrap green levies and energy taxes to reduce living costs.
The prime minister’s spokesperson said Burnham believes Westminster has normalised everyday financial pressures, such as hidden pricing, and intends to challenge that. The measures announced in the coming days will mark the first steps in a broader strategy to improve economic conditions.
What happens next
Downing Street has not specified when the cost-of-living measures will be announced, but they are expected before the end of August. The early release scheme for prisoners will begin in October, with eligibility decisions made by the prison service. Burnham’s UK tour will continue throughout the summer, with no fixed end date.
Questions this report answers
+What measures will Andy Burnham announce to help with the cost of living?
Downing Street said Burnham will announce a series of pro-consumer measures to ease financial pressures, including tackling hidden pricing. The details will be revealed in the coming days, but significant spending is unlikely before October’s Budget.
+Why are PC Andrew Harper’s killers eligible for early release?
The government’s early release scheme, starting in October, includes those convicted of manslaughter. Burnham’s review narrowed eligibility but did not exclude manslaughter, citing prison capacity concerns. The decision has drawn widespread criticism.
+What is the purpose of Burnham’s UK tour?
Burnham’s tour aims to gather input for a 10-year economic plan and address high street decline. Downing Street said the prime minister will listen to communities to shape policies intended to restore economic confidence and improve local areas.
+When will the prisoner early release scheme begin?
The scheme is set to start in October. Eligibility decisions will be made by the prison service, and two of PC Andrew Harper’s killers will qualify for release from next year under the current rules.
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