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Burnham Rejects Universal Credit Rise, Keeps £2 Bus Cap

7/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Andy Burnham said there is no commitment to raise the £12,570 allowance, but it will be examined in the budget.
Burnham reinstated a £2 England-wide bus fare cap lasting through 2027.
Funding will come from converting £400 million of climate-finance grants into loans.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates lifting the allowance will cost £8.5-9 bn a year, prompting Richard Holden to warn Labour may need to raise borrowing or taxes.

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Story summary

Andy Burnham said there is no commitment to raise the £12,570 allowance, but it will be examined in the budget.
Burnham reinstated a £2 England-wide bus fare cap lasting through 2027.
Funding will come from converting £400 million of climate-finance grants into loans.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates lifting the allowance will cost £8.5-9 bn a year, prompting Richard Holden to warn Labour may need to raise borrowing or taxes.