STORY
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the Government will do what it can to reduce costs for businesses but warned that ministers are operating against a difficult financial outlook. He said the Budget, due on 28 October, would look more broadly at business rates, with smaller firms among those facing particular pressure from operating costs.
Burnham also said the Government was examining changes to the rail fares system and repeated his longer term ambition to increase state control over water, energy and housing services as part of efforts to reduce household costs. He said his approach would involve an accumulation of smaller measures rather than promises that could not be fully funded.
The Prime Minister has previously ruled out tax increases on working people but has not ruled out other tax rises to fund reforms including changes to social care. The Government has also said it will continue to follow its fiscal rules, limiting the amount of additional borrowing available as ministers prepare for the autumn Budget.