Andy Burnham just marked 100 days as Prime Minister (Image: Getty)
Is that it? A hundred days of Andy Burnham, and this is all he had to offer: a nothing-burger Budget, served up in the middle of a national economic emergency. Don’t take my word for it: the forecasts published alongside his Budget this afternoon paint a dark picture of the years ahead.
Living standards down. Growth down. Borrowing up. And prices set to rise higher than ever before. This isn’t stagnation. We’re going backwards. This is barely managed decline, and it is wrecking the lives of people who are barely managing to pay the mortgage.
Inflation was supposed to be back at 2% by now. Instead, it is heading for 4% in the new year. Meanwhile, growth next year has been cut to 1%. What does that mean for people’s real wages? Not a penny more in 2027. Nor in 2028.
Family incomes will fall over this year and next, and by the end of the decade they will be barely 1% higher than before the pandemic. That will be the story of this Labour government — a lost decade of impoverishing decline for British families.
Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick blasts Labour’s Budget (Image: Getty)
This parliament will be the most tax-raising parliament in history. Beating the record of the last Conservative one, which will now only be the second most tax-raising parliament in history.
In the face of that emergency, what was the response? Nothing. A hundred pounds, once, into some bank accounts; a few reliefs extended by a few months; a few tax rises for later.
Some vague promises to spend more on defence, but with no plan to deliver it.
John Healey might be a nice man. But he’s had 100 days to show that he’s up to the job. And after 100 days, he delivered a budget that will make British families poorer than they would otherwise have been.
I’d deliver a Budget in my first hundred days too. The difference is what it would include.
Reform’s would give £1,300 back to the average household. Paid for by £40billion in cuts to benefits for migrants, foreign aid, and mad net zero schemes.
We’d make sure the state pension is never taxed. And if I didn’t do it, I’d resign. Why? Because if you can’t make life better for the British people, what’s the point of being chancellor?
John Healey’s had his go and failed. Isn’t it time to try a party that will make things better instead?
Britain is broke. But Britain isn’t beaten. It just needs Reform.
Robert Jenrick is Reform UK’s Treasury spokesman
Andy Burnham Just Served Up a Nothing-Burger Budget at the Worst Possible Moment
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing growing criticism after his government’s latest Budget was accused of failing to address Britain’s most urgent economic challenges. At a time when households are struggling with the cost of living, businesses are facing rising operating expenses and international security concerns are increasing, critics argue that the government has delivered a financial package lacking ambition and meaningful solutions.
The Budget, presented by Chancellor John Healey, was expected to provide a clear direction for Britain’s economy. However, opposition politicians have questioned whether the announcements will make a significant difference to ordinary people. While ministers have highlighted several measures designed to support families and encourage investment, critics describe the overall package as disappointing, arguing that it offers more political promises than practical improvements.
One of the biggest concerns facing British households is the continuing pressure on everyday expenses. Food prices, housing costs, energy bills and transportation expenses remain important financial challenges for millions of people. Families are particularly concerned about whether their wages will increase sufficiently to keep pace with the cost of living.
Although the government has announced additional assistance for eligible households, critics argue that limited payments cannot solve the deeper problems affecting family finances. A temporary energy payment may provide some relief during winter, but households need a longer-term strategy that makes electricity, gas and housing more affordable.
Taxation is another area attracting criticism. The continued freezing of income tax thresholds means that workers could gradually pay more tax as their salaries increase. This process, known as fiscal drag, can reduce the real financial benefit of wage increases. Critics argue that the government should have introduced stronger protection for working families rather than allowing the tax burden to increase gradually.
The situation is particularly difficult for middle-income households. These families may earn too much to qualify for certain government benefits but still struggle with mortgages, childcare, transportation and rising household bills. Many believe that political promises to support working people should translate into more noticeable improvements in their disposable income.
Businesses are also waiting for a clearer economic strategy. Small companies face pressure from employment costs, taxation, energy prices and uncertainty about future investment. Although the Budget contains measures intended to support business activity, critics argue that these announcements do not go far enough to encourage entrepreneurship or create sustainable economic growth.
Another major concern is Britain’s defence capability. Growing international tensions have increased pressure on the government to strengthen military spending and ensure that the armed forces have sufficient personnel and modern equipment. Critics believe that national security should be treated as an immediate priority rather than a long-term ambition.
The government must also address concerns about immigration and asylum expenditure. The cost of temporary accommodation for asylum seekers has become a significant political issue, particularly because hotels have been used for extended periods. Labour has promised to reduce these costs by developing alternative accommodation facilities, including former military sites. However, opposition parties question whether the proposed investment will generate meaningful savings.
Housing represents another major challenge. Younger generations continue to face difficulties purchasing their first homes, while renters often spend a substantial proportion of their income on accommodation. The government’s housing announcements may support future construction, but critics argue that the country needs faster development and a much larger supply of affordable properties.
The political timing of the Budget is also significant. Burnham entered Downing Street promising a renewed approach to government and a stronger focus on economic growth. His administration therefore faces considerable pressure to demonstrate that it can deliver tangible improvements rather than simply continue existing policies.
For the Conservatives and Reform UK, the Budget provides an opportunity to challenge Labour’s economic credibility. Both opposition parties have questioned whether the government understands the financial pressures facing ordinary households, although their proposed solutions differ on taxation, public spending and immigration.
However, supporters of the government argue that Britain’s financial difficulties cannot be resolved through immediate spending increases alone. They maintain that responsible economic management requires difficult decisions, careful investment and a realistic approach to public finances. They also point to measures supporting pensioners, lower-paid workers and energy consumers as evidence that the Budget contains practical assistance.
Nevertheless, the government’s biggest challenge is restoring public confidence. People want to understand how economic policies will affect their daily lives. They want higher living standards, reliable public services, affordable housing and greater economic security. Businesses want predictable taxation and conditions that encourage investment.
A Budget that fails to address these concerns risks creating further frustration, particularly if households see little improvement in their financial circumstances over the coming months.
Ultimately, the criticism that Andy Burnham has delivered a ‘nothing-burger’ Budget reflects wider dissatisfaction with the government’s economic priorities. Whether that assessment proves justified will depend on the results of the policies introduced and their impact on ordinary people.
In conclusion, Britain is facing economic and international challenges that require clear leadership and practical solutions. John Healey’s Budget has offered several measures intended to provide financial support, but critics believe the government has missed an opportunity to introduce more substantial reforms. For Andy Burnham, the real test will be whether his administration can turn its promises into measurable improvements. British households are not simply looking for another set of political announcements; they want an economy that offers affordable living costs, better opportunities, stronger public services and a more secure future.