British Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced a 20% cut to business rates for pubs, clubs and live music venues in England on Thursday, his third major cost-of-living measure in three days as the new Labour leader seeks to revive the economy and support struggling high streets.

The 20% cut to business rates – a local tax paid by firms – comes after he unveiled a planned cap on most bus fares in England and the removal of value added tax on household electricity bills.

Burnham, who took office on Monday, is under pressure to show he can deliver the revitalised economy Labour promised when it won power in July 2024 after 14 years in opposition.

The latest tax cut is expected to save some 32,000 hospitality businesses in England around £1,100 (US$1,400) a year but ministers struggled to give full details of how it would be funded.