Since becoming prime minister, Andy Burnham has set out a series of policy pledges covering the cost of living, transport and homelessness, though many amount to announced intentions rather than fully funded, guaranteed commitments. The measures span cutting household energy costs, capping bus fares, tackling rough sleeping and expanding free travel for disabled people, with critics questioning how some will be paid for and whether timelines are realistic.

Key pledges include scrapping VAT on household electricity bills from October, expected to save the average household £45, funded by axing Keir Starmer's digital ID scheme, though a former Treasury minister disputes that this money is actually available. From January, single bus fares in England (excluding London) will be capped at £2 until the end of 2027, costing £454m, partly funded by redirecting international climate aid into loans, a move campaigners warn could harm vulnerable people abroad. Burnham has also pledged £442m to get all rough sleepers into support by Christmas, without setting a formal target for reducing numbers, and from April 2027 disabled people will get free bus travel at any time, backed by £60m in funding.