Burnham signals broader business rates reform in October Budget

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signaled that his government will pursue broader business rates reform for high street companies in the upcoming October 28 Budget, following an initial 20 percent relief package for pubs and hospitality venues. In a BBC Radio 5 Live interview on August 12, 2026, Burnham acknowledged the high cost of doing business in Britain, particularly for smaller firms, but cautioned that his administration faces a "difficult financial outlook" with limited room for maneuver.

The pledge for further reform comes just weeks after Burnham entered Downing Street, where one of his first economic announcements was a 20 percent rates cut for pubs, clubs, and music venues. That measure was paired with plans to remove VAT from electricity bills. The Prime Minister said his government is now examining broader reductions for the high street as part of a strategy to ease cost-of-living pressures.

"I know the cost of doing business is too high, particularly for smaller businesses and I wouldn't want to promise the earth and say all can be solved because I think people can see I'm facing a difficult financial outlook and I won't bring forward things that I can't fully...