Andy Burnham's first two weeks as prime minister show a "Burnham bounce" in polls, with Labour gaining a 6-point lead over Reform UK, primarily from returning progressive voters. While Labour is ahead in seats, it's short of a majority, facing challenges in winning back Reform voters and in Wales/Scotland.
England's regional mayors will gain the ability to borrow against future income and retain a share of income tax and business rates from 2028, replacing existing grants. This "transformational" shift, announced by Andy Burnham, aims to empower local leaders to invest in major projects and improve public services, moving decision-making out of Whitehall.
An opinion piece criticizes Andy Burnham's initial policies as Prime Minister, arguing they contradict his localist promises by centralizing control over homelessness, bus fares, social housing, and care services, drawing parallels with previous leaders who failed to decentralize power in the UK.
Andy Burnham's proposed 20% business rate reduction for pubs, clubs, and music venues, costing £100m, aims to support high streets. While welcomed as a gesture, industry figures like pub owner Dan Smith and consultant Colm O'Leary view the £1,000 average saving as insufficient compared to other rising costs like VAT and staffing.
England's pubs, clubs, and live music venues will receive a 20% business rates discount as part of a £100m aid package from Prime Minister Burnham, aimed at supporting high streets and easing living costs, though some industry leaders and opposition question its scope and funding.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% business rates cut for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues in England from April, saving firms £1,100 next year. The £100m plan, funded by reviewing tax relief on vape shops, is his third policy, but hotels and restaurants question their exclusion.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues to ease the cost of living crisis. The policy, costing £100M annually, is the third since his Monday appointment, aiming to save 32,000 hospitality businesses £1,100/year.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham announced a 20% business rates discount for pubs, social clubs, and live music venues, drawing praise from some industry figures but criticism from other High Street businesses and calls for broader VAT reform.
Andy Burnham's administration will cut business rates by 20% for nearly 32,000 pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England from April, as part of a £10m package to support high streets and ease cost of living pressures. The initiative will be funded by reviewing relief for businesses deemed not to contribute positively to communities.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan expressed deep disappointment after Coughlans Bakery, an 89-year-old chain he co-owns, ceased trading and entered voluntary liquidation. The managing director cited increased national insurance contributions and high business rates, exacerbated by fuel price spikes, as key factors in the closure.
Andy Burnham outlines vision for UK transformation, promising to improve living standards, rebalance power from Whitehall, and restore trust in politics, ahead of his expected takeover as Prime Minister.
UK ministers are exploring a major reform of the tax system, potentially devolving billions of pounds in business rates to regional mayors. The move aims to give local leaders more control over tax revenue, reward economic growth, and address regional inequality, with proposals expected in the upcoming budget.
Hedge fund Corvex Management is demanding Whitbread, owner of Premier Inn, be put up for sale, citing a "sleepy share price" and criticizing the company's five-year strategy for its slow returns. Corvex, holding a 7% stake, wants key parts of the plan suspended and threatens to nominate new directors if the board doesn't comply.
Auguste, a new Italian restaurant in Hackney, offers Abruzzo-inspired small plates, with arrosticini skewers as a highlight. Despite some dishes needing refinement, the restaurant boasts a loyal following.
UK employment growth slowed significantly with only 24,000 jobs added in the three months to February, below population growth. Payrolls contracted in February and fell by 11,000 in March, while vacancies continued to decline. Economists now forecast unemployment will rise to around 5.5% this year, potentially reaching 6% if energy prices spike further. The weak labour market, combined with the Middle East conflict driving up energy costs and business uncertainty, has complicated the Bank of England's interest rate decisions.
