Burnham’s economic blueprint focuses on small business and cost of living, FT reports

The paper was drawn up by key Burnham adviser Miatta Fahnbulleh, a former minister and economist, as the prime minister-in-waiting rushes to pull together a plan for government ahead of his expected arrival in Downing Street on July 20. Those briefed on Fahnbulleh’s economic plan said a key focus was to “immediately” get money into voters’ pockets to help with the cost of living, targeting energy bills and transport in particular. Small and medium-sized companies would also be targeted for support. One idea floated by Fahnbulleh is a cut in the national insurance bill for SME employers, although she accepts that would be a matter for the next chancellor.