Speaking during the first edition of ‘People’s Major Questions’, a new social media Q&A taking questions from the public, Burnham was asked how his Government would support pubs amid declining trade.
Join our WhatsApp channel: The Morning Round-Up
Get the biggest pub trade stories straight to your phone. Listen to our one-minute daily news briefing and receive breaking news, exclusives and sector updates throughout the day... just remember to turn notifications on in top right corner!
He said: “I’m a big pub person. So important. British history, British heritage is wrapped up in our pubs.
“I said we would cut business rates for pubs, and that will come in soon. They need support, and they’ll get it from me and this Government.”
The comments follow a series of Government announcements affecting hospitality, including a planned 20% business rates cut for pubs, clubs and live music venues from April.
The Government has also launched an independent review into how pubs and hotels are valued for business rates in England and Wales, while a new £10m Hospitality Grant Scheme has opened to support independent pubs, restaurants and cafés.
Public questions
During the Q&A, Burnham also answered questions on public transport, university costs, NHS waiting times, social care and illegal immigration.
On transport, he said rail services were “not where they need to be” and confirmed plans for a rail summit.
He said the Government needed to look at improving punctuality, reducing cancellations and simplifying rail fares, which he said could bring a cost of living benefit for passengers.
Asked about university costs, Burnham said he was concerned by high interest rates on student debt.
He said: “It’s not easy being young these days, and we need to make it better.”
Social care
On NHS waiting times, Burnham said social care reform was central to easing hospital pressures.
He said there were “thousands and thousands” of people in hospital beds who were medically fit to be discharged but could not leave because care was not available.
He added: “If you want to fix the NHS, you’ve got to fix social care.
“It would be terrible for me to look back in later life, thinking I had a chance to fix social care and I was too scared to do it. Well, it’s not going to be me. Just give me a bit of time.”
Burnham also said small boat crossings had halved over the summer, adding the Government should “build on it” and keep numbers coming down.
The Q&A ended with lighter questions, including whether Burnham preferred The Smiths or Morrissey solo. Burnham said he was “definitely” choosing The Smiths.
