Last week, Andy Burnham took up the role of Prime Minister.
He immediately set out a series of measures aimed at tackling the cost of living. They are a welcome start and should give people some much-needed breathing space.
On his first full day in office, he announced the abolition of VAT on domestic electricity bills from October. It will be the first tax cut on household electricity bills in two decades and is set to benefit almost every household in Stroud.
The Government has also confirmed that the £2 bus fare cap will return in 2027. That is welcome news for people across the constituency who rely on buses to get to work, education and healthcare appointments.
However, affordability is only part of the picture. We also need to improve the quality and reliability of local bus services. The Bus Services Act gives local leaders new powers to protect vital routes and allows councils to establish their own bus services. I am already working with the local council to explore how these powers can be used to improve transport in our area.
Another positive step was the announcement of a 20 per cent reduction in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues. These are the heart of many of our communities, and I know this support will be warmly welcomed.
At the same time, I recognise that many other businesses will be disappointed they are not eligible for this additional relief. They also need greater support, and I will continue pressing the Government to honour our manifesto commitment to abolish business rates and replace them with a fairer system.
The Government also pledged £340 million to help end rough sleeping, announced a pause to the early prison release scheme, and confirmed it will scrap the proposed digital ID scheme.
It has been a busy first week. These are encouraging first steps, but there is still much more to do.
