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Story summary
- Burnham cancelled the digital ID programme.
- He redirected its funding to a VAT reduction on household electricity bills.
- He allocated about £1.8 billion for cost-of-living measures by reprioritising existing departmental budgets.
- Burnham reaffirmed Labour’s pledge not to raise income tax, VAT or National Insurance, limiting revenue options.
- Former Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane warned the government choose between tax hikes or spending cuts on 28 October.
