Andy Burnham has indicated that tax increases could be on the table in the upcoming Autumn Budget, according to a report from City AM. The Mayor of Greater Manchester suggested that difficult decisions may be necessary, though he stopped short of confirming specific measures.
The comments were made public on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, with Burnham acknowledging that the UK is facing a "challenging" financial outlook. As reported by the Financial Times, he also ruled out the possibility of an early general election, focusing instead on the fiscal pressures ahead.
City AM notes that Burnham declined to rule out tax hikes entirely, while The Times quotes him as saying he would not be "unrealistic" about the need for revenue-raising measures. The reports do not specify which taxes might be increased, but the speculation follows broader discussion about how the government will balance its books.
The Autumn Budget is expected to be a key moment for fiscal policy, with Burnham’s remarks adding to the debate over potential changes. According to the BBC, he has refused to dismiss the idea of tax rises outright, leaving room for adjustments depending on economic conditions.
Observers will be watching closely for further details in the coming weeks, particularly around which areas of taxation could be targeted. The exact scope and timing of any changes remain unclear, but Burnham’s comments signal that the government is preparing for tough choices.
What to watch next: Whether Chancellor Rachel Reeves or other officials offer more concrete hints ahead of the Budget statement.
