Story perspectives

Burnham Announces Public Great British Grid to Cut Energy Costs

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 2:16 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a publicly owned Great British Grid to accelerate electricity connections and lower energy costs.
He said he will hold a conversation on social-care reform, youth unemployment and public utility control.
Burnham confirmed a joint housing funding package with London Mayor Sadiq Khan to boost council-house construction in the capital.
Chancellor John Healey will present the government's first budget on 28 October 2026 amid rising energy prices and inflation.

History

Historical Context

In 1947 Clement Attlee’s Labour government passed the Electricity Act, nationalising the industry, forming the British Electricity Authority and 14 regional boards that bought and distributed power. Andy Burnham’s proposal for a publicly owned Great British Grid echoes that post-war model, aiming to lower costs and reshape Britain’s energy market.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a publicly owned Great British Grid to accelerate electricity connections and lower energy costs.
He said he will hold a conversation on social-care reform, youth unemployment and public utility control.
Burnham confirmed a joint housing funding package with London Mayor Sadiq Khan to boost council-house construction in the capital.
Chancellor John Healey will present the government's first budget on 28 October 2026 amid rising energy prices and inflation.

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