Politics · United Kingdom · 4 hrs ago
Burnham sets out plans to reshape UK pensions, utilities and housing
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has begun setting out how he wants to change the country, three months after taking office.
His plans include reducing future pension increases and using the savings to help fund care for older people.
The government also plans a public electricity-grid company to improve energy transport and lower costs, and greater public control over water companies.
Burnham has announced 300,000 public homes, backed by £39 billion, and plans to make it easier for local councils to acquire some poorly maintained rental homes.
He also wants a commission to propose changes to the voting system and plans to transfer some powers away from central government.
These proposals mark a shift to the left from the approach of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, and could affect household costs, housing and how public services are run.
The first test comes with the budget on 28 October, while the full plans are expected to be set out in an election programme by 2029.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced plans to reshape pensions, energy, water and housing in the United Kingdom.
The proposals include changing how pensions rise from 2030 and creating a publicly owned company to invest in the electricity grid.
The government plans a £39 billion programme to build 300,000 public homes.
Local authorities could gain powers to enter water companies, while the government says it is seeking greater public control rather than nationalisation.
The plans are due to face an initial test in the budget on 28 October, and their full form is to be set out in an election programme by 2029.
- Who
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his government.
- What
- Plans to change pensions and increase public involvement in energy, water and housing.
- When
- Announced in Burnham’s first weeks as prime minister; the article says he had been in office for three months.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- To reshape the country, reduce energy costs and address housing problems; the article also says pension changes would help fund social care for older people.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
revoke Margaret Thatcher’s ideological ban on public ownership of water companies
greater public control
Pensions are proposed to rise in line with inflation or by 2.5%, whichever is higher.
The proposals are due to face an initial test in the budget.
The ideas are to be set out in an election programme.
- Pension increase from 2030
- Inflation or 2.5%, whichever is higher
- Public housing programme
- 300,000 homes
- Housing budget
- £39 billion
- Energy company
- Great British Grid
- Budget date
- 28 October
Sources
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