Andy Burnham gets what matters to High Peak

I’ve said before that it is great that Andy Burnham knows our area so well. And if his first week is anything to go by, he absolutely gets our priorities with positive news on reducing the cost of energy bills and public transport as well as backing our local pubs and clubs.

Andy has announced plans to scrap VAT on household electricity bills from next April, saving the average household around £45 a year. At a time when so many families are still feeling the pressure from the cost of living, that is money that can make a real difference.

From January, Labour will introduce a new £2 national bus fare cap, making it cheaper for millions of people to travel by bus, including here in High Peak.

In a rural constituency like ours, buses are far more than just a way of getting from A to B. They are a lifeline, connecting people to work, education, healthcare, local shops and family. When services are unreliable or fares are too expensive, it is bad for our local economy, limits opportunities for young people and can be isolating for the elderly.

That is why I have campaigned for better and more affordable public transport since before I was elected.

Andy and I have already worked together to improve public transport for young people locally. Alongside East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, we secured the extension of free bus travel for young people in High Peak going to college in Greater Manchester. A massive success considering this had been an issue no one had done anything about for decades.

Claire and I working with Hope Valley Climate Action have also secured investment through the Mini Switzerland Project to improve public transport links across Hope Valley.

Andy’s new £2 bus fare cap is another important step forward. It will help families with the cost of living while hopefully encouraging more people to use public transport, reducing congestion and making it easier to access all of our amazing tourist sites.

More people accessing our towns and villages through public transport will hopefully be a big boost for our High Streets. On top of this Andy announced last week, we are reducing business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues.

From April 2027, eligible hospitality businesses will receive a 20% cut in their business rates bills, with the average pub expected to save around £1,100 next year.

Over the last two years, I’ve visited countless pubs and hospitality businesses across High Peak. Whether in Glossop, Buxton, New Mills, Chapel-en-le-Frith or our villages, business owners have consistently told me that the cost of doing business has become one of their biggest challenges.

I’ve consistently taken these concerns directly to ministers because our pubs and hospitality venues are about far more than pulling pints. They create jobs, support local suppliers and provide the places where communities come together to celebrate, socialise and support one another. So, I’m delighted we are reducing their costs. And Andy has promised this is only the start. The cavalry is coming for our amazing local pubs. 

There is still more to do but this is a great start showing Andy really does understand what matters to us in High Peak.