PM must focus on the big issues, too

By the Editorial Team · Friday, August 28, 2026

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has committed to tackling poor-quality home improvement work by supporting new regulations and an app that links payments to customer approval of each project phase. This approach aims to protect consumers from fraudulent builders amid a doubling of complaints and is part of broader daily cost-of-living measures, though critics urge a focus on larger economic issues like the national debt.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to address the issue of substandard home improvement work, commonly associated with so-called "cowboy builders." According to figures from Citizens Advice, complaints about firms delivering poor-quality home construction have doubled since 2022. Burnham characterized such operators as "crooks" and signaled government support for new measures aimed at raising standards in the sector. These include backing a new regulatory framework and the introduction of an app designed to allow customers to pay incrementally, approving payments only after each phase of work meets their satisfaction.

The initiative forms part of a series of smaller policy measures the Prime Minister has referred to as "everyday fixes." Other elements include a £2 cap on bus fares, reductions in pub and business rates, and a cut to the VAT on domestic electricity bills. While these steps have been welcomed by some, critics point out that their overall impact on struggling households may be limited. For example, the energy VAT cut is projected to save the average family less than £1 per week.

Beyond these targeted reforms, analysts and commentators have urged Burnham to focus on larger, systemic challenges facing the UK. Foremost among these is the national debt, currently estimated at around £3 trillion, which incurs approximately £100 billion annually in interest payments. Observers note that the country's tax burden is already high, and question how the government plans to reduce debt sustainably. Potential strategies include cutting public spending, reforming welfare provisions, easing regulatory constraints on businesses to stimulate growth, and downsizing parts of the public sector.

Other pressing issues highlighted include controlling illegal immigration, reassessing policies related to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions, and improving the efficiency and productivity of the civil service. Critics argue that these problems are worsening and require decisive action. While Burnham’s recent initiatives are seen as steps towards addressing consumer frustrations and daily cost-of-living pressures, there is a call for the Prime Minister to demonstrate a comparable ability to tackle broader economic and policy challenges facing the country.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.