Prime Minister refuses to rule out tax rises in upcoming Budget

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has refused to rule out tax rises in the upcoming Autumn Budget.

25 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has refused to rule out tax rises in the upcoming Autumn Budget.

Mr Burnham recently stated that he 'won't be unrealistic' in regard to the nation's finances, adding that the public 'needs to understand we are in a challenging position'.

The government will take a 'careful approach' to the economy, the Prime Minister confirmed. Economists have previously warned that the Chancellor will have little room to manoeuvre in the Budget on 28 October.

The Prime Minister has already taken action to help ease the cost of living by capping bus fares and cutting VAT on household electricity bills.

Mr Burnham said: 'I will always take a careful approach to things. I ran Greater Manchester for ten years and we ran a very tight ship with rock solid finances.

'Nothing will change as I come into this role as prime minister. I won't take risks with people's jobs or their livelihoods or their family finances.

'I will try to help them in whatever way I can, I have already done some things that will help them.'