Labour insiders fear budget may fall short as Burnham leans on 'everyday fixes'
Officials in the UK's governing Labour Party are voicing concern about the budget due on 28 October, which may not match expectations on easing living costs. Prime Minister Andy Burnham's team hopes small everyday measures and clear communication will keep public support.
Nervousness is growing inside the UK's Labour government, led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, ahead of the first budget from Chancellor John Healey, due on 28 October. The budget is seen as a test of the government's pledge to ease the cost of living. The account comes from several party and government sources who were not named.
What voters associate with Burnham
Since the party's annual conference, Labour strategists have been discussing a word cloud from pollster More in Common showing how voters describe the prime minister. One of the most prominent words is "trying". At a cabinet away day at Chequers on Monday and a meeting of special advisers on Thursday, the central idea was to show that the government is doing its best to improve people's lives despite a difficult economic backdrop.
'Everyday fixes' and the budget gap
The No 10 policy unit and the Cabinet Office's cost of living taskforce are overseeing small measures, such as rules on car-parking apps and unbranded school uniforms. Last week these drew 85 million views across social platforms. Some advisers warn that such small steps could look twee unless tied to structural change, and that medium-scale reforms are missing.
The budget is complicated by inflation and soaring borrowing costs caused by the war with Iran, thought to have opened a £12bn hole in public finances. The chancellor must therefore consider tax rises and spending cuts. The statement is expected to be low-key, with a household support package focused on cutting energy bills and more help for small businesses. The biggest decisions are expected to wait until next year.
Fears and hopes
One MP said that if voters are not better off by the next election, the party is in trouble. Downing Street expects a bumpy period after the budget but is counting on Burnham's communication skills. He will give a statement to MPs on Monday when parliament returns from conference recess.
