Andy Burnham targets the cost of living - Ian Murray
The new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has got straight to work, with a series of measures announced to tackle the cost of living.
One such measure is the abolition of VAT on household energy bills. The move, which will come into effect from October 1, is expected to take £45 off the average bill, giving people some much-needed financial breathing space over the winter.
It will be of particular benefit to lower-income households, which typically spend a much greater share of their income on energy bills.
It is a positive step that signals a renewed emphasis on supporting people with the cost of living, building on some of the vital work undertaken during Keir Starmer’s premiership. In April, the energy price cap came down by 7 per cent thanks to changes to green energy levies in the last Budget, saving the average household £150.
There is plenty more to be done, but it’s a clear sign that the new Prime Minister is determined to bring down the cost of living.
As power changes hands, it’s worth again reflecting on all that has been achieved since the general election in July 2024: new rights for workers and renters, falling NHS waiting lists in England and net migration down by 82 per cent since its peak in 2023.
The economy has also been showing positive signs despite the war in Iran, with government borrowing lower than expected in June and inflation falling to 2.6 per cent, down by 0.2 per cent from May. This provides a strong foundation for Andy Burnham to build upon.
Amid the changes in government, I am delighted to remain as the Minister of State at the recently renamed Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Here in Edinburgh, we know a thing or two about culture, with our world-famous festivals and institutions like the Filmhouse. I look forward to working closely with Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, to promote the arts and the success of the creative industries here and across the country.
As ever, whatever happens in Westminster, my primary focus remains on my constituency duties here in south Edinburgh. I was elected to represent the people of Edinburgh South and deliver on their priorities.
One issue which has been of particular concern to many constituents in recent years is the misuse of fireworks. The police, the council and local youth groups made real progress on this in 2025, but there is still more to do.
I’ve been supporting their work as the local MP, facilitating meetings between the police, the council, and community groups, and, more recently, running a community survey to gather residents’ views to inform preparations for the coming year.
Last month, the Labour government announced a nationwide consultation on reforming the law around the sale of fireworks, seeking views from individuals, businesses, veterans’ groups, community organisations, and animal charities on potentially restricting the sale of different kinds of fireworks to the public.
If this sounds of interest to you, or to a group you work with, please do have a look at the consultation on the government’s website.