Andy Burnham has dismissed the prospect of “crude” reductions to welfare spending while signalling that tax increases may be necessary to finance his policy agenda.
Earlier today, the likely incoming prime minister rejected what he termed “crude cuts” to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit payments.
When pressed on whether Labour’s manifesto commitments and fiscal framework would remain intact, Mr Burnham confirmed they would, though he noted there remained “some room within that manifesto for movement on tax”.
The former Greater Manchester mayor, who could enter Downing Street as early as July 20, insisted he maintained discipline on public finances despite accusations that his plans would necessitate higher taxation.
Andy Burnham hints taxes will rise and dismisses ‘crude’ cuts to DWP benefits
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Mr Burnham outlined a specific proposal to increase taxes on warehouses, with the revenue used to lower business rates for pubs and revitalise struggling high streets while supporting smaller enterprises.
The prospective prime minister acknowledged he has yet to select who will serve as his Chancellor, a revelation that came as he defended his fiscal credentials.
On defence matters, Mr Burnham conceded he had not received “all of the details” regarding costs amid reports suggesting a shortfall of up to £15billion in military spending.
However, he suggested benefit will cuts will not be a priority: ‘I’m not going to go with the crude cuts to benefit levels that then just put people who are struggling in even worse poverty, and that often creates the backlash, and understandably so.’
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Speaking to LBC’s Andrew Marr, he said: “I would take those responsibilities extremely seriously, no compromise on the security of the nation.”
Mr Burnham delivered a damning assessment of his own political generation, declaring that politicians of his era had “failed” the country.
The new Makerfield MP added: “You can’t go around pointing fingers when you haven’t been good enough yourselves, and I would say that all politicians haven’t been good enough.
“My generation of politicians, I think, has failed in many ways in that the country isn’t where it should be right now. The country needs lifting up.”
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Mr Burnham revealed the strategy centres on overhauling education, providing work placements for young people, and constructing council housing to tackle the number of NEETs, those not in education, employment or training.
Speculation continues over who will fill senior positions in a Mr Burnham Government, with former health secretary Wes Streeting among those mentioned as a potential Chancellor.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood have also been linked to the Treasury role, though recent reports indicate Mahmood is likely to remain at the Home Office.
Former foreign secretary David Miliband, ex-transport secretary Lou Haigh and former housing minister Miatta Fahnbulleh are all considered possibilities for cabinet roles.