Burnham Set to Push Major Reforms as Labour Conference Turns to Pensions and Social Care

Prime Minister and Labour leader Andy Burnham is preparing to use his first Labour Party conference speech as leader to set out a wide ranging programme of reforms, including changes to the way pensions are increased and plans for a new national social care service. Burnham is expected to argue that Britain needs a different political direction and that difficult issues should be discussed more openly with the public. His speech is expected to focus on social care, youth unemployment, energy, housing and greater devolution of power. One of the most closely watched issues is the future of the state pension triple lock. The policy currently guarantees that the state pension rises each year by whichever is highest among inflation, average earnings growth or 2.5%.

Reports indicate Burnham will suggest that the policy should be reviewed in Labour’s next election manifesto. However, any change would not affect the party’s existing commitment for the current parliament. Labour Deputy Leader Lucy Powell said the party remains committed to the triple lock for the duration of this parliament. The debate is linked to Burnham’s proposal for an NHS style national care service in England, with care available free at the point of delivery. The prime minister has argued that Britain needs an honest discussion about how major reforms can be funded.

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has backed the idea of starting that conversation, saying Burnham is right to raise the issue. However, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has criticised the prospect of using changes to pension increases to help finance social care, arguing that it could reduce financial security for pensioners.

Burnham is also expected to announce plans for a government backed body to invest in Britain’s electricity grid. The proposal forms part of his wider argument for greater public control over key infrastructure and utilities. Electoral reform is another issue expected to feature in his speech, with Burnham set to indicate that Labour will continue with plans to change the UK’s electoral system. The Guardian reported that he is also expected to emphasise giving more power to regional and local authorities.

Meanwhile, Angela Rayner used her conference speech to announce measures aimed at giving councils greater powers to tackle homelessness. These include allowing councils to make greater use of empty homes and improving their ability to secure social housing for people facing homelessness. Rayner also confirmed that the government is moving ahead with leasehold reform, promising changes intended to give leaseholders greater control over their homes.

The conference has therefore become a major platform for Labour to outline its priorities on pensions, social care, housing, energy and political reform, with Burnham’s speech expected to provide a clearer picture of the direction the party intends to take ahead of the next general election.