Henry Zeffman: Andy Burnham and his chancellor have a battle on their hands as the Budget approaches

Henry Zeffman: Andy Burnham and his chancellor have a battle on their hands as the Budget approaches — Live Feedhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/henry-zeffman-andy-burnham-and-his-chancellor-have-a-battle-on-their-hands-as-the-budget-approachesContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. Andy Burnham warns of difficult decisions ahead of first Budgethttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/henry-zeffman-andy-burnham-and-his-chancellor-have-a-battle-on-their-hands-as-the-budget-approacheshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/henry-zeffman-andy-burnham-and-his-chancellor-have-a-battle-on-their-hands-as-the-budget-approaches#u75366Fri, 18 Sep 2026 23:11:06 +0000Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces pressure to balance the budget as inflation reaches 3.1%. Burnham has warned that "difficult decisions" are necessary, while the Conservatives and the shadow chancellor are urging him to rule out tax increases. The administration faces a choice between raising taxes or cutting spending to manage the economy. While Burnham has rejected descriptions of himself as a "tax and spend socialist," the Financial Times reports that the UK is preparing for a "really challenging" Budget amid rising fears over interest rates.Why it mattersThis