Burnham’s first day: Cutting our taxes on household bills

Andy Burnham has made his commitment to the cost of living clear as he eases the pressure of household bills in his first full day as Prime Minister.

From October, VAT will be removed completely from electricity bills, providing households across Blackpool with welcome relief as they head into winter. Combined with measures announced in the last Budget, this will mean households can save up to £200 on their energy bills.

There is a real cost of living crisis in Blackpool, whilst I have secured funding to help plug the gap, it is long-term action to reduce the cost of essential bills that will make an important difference to people across our town.

This support has already been fully funded through the cancellation of the Digital ID programme, which was expected to cost £1.8 billion over the next three years.

I am proud to be part of a government that is taking action to tackle the cost of living and deliver for working people. Alongside national action, remarkable work is already taking place here in Blackpool.

Our pioneering Eco Community Hub provides free energy advice, helping residents understand new technologies that can reduce household bills. Since opening in July 2024, it has helped local people save more than £111,000 on their energy costs, demonstrating the real difference this kind of practical support can make.

In Parliament, I asked the Minister to meet with me to discuss how the success of Blackpool's Eco Community Hub could be rolled out across the country.