SNP Accuses Andy Burnham of Breaking Cost-of-Living Promises

The Scottish National Party accused Prime Minister Andy Burnham of breaking promises to reduce the cost of living following a rise in mortgage rates. The party cited data from MoneyFacts showing that average interest rates on new five-year fixed mortgage deals reached 6% for the first time in three years.

Analysis from the House of Commons Library commissioned by the SNP indicates that the monthly interest cost for the average two-year fixed rate mortgage in Scotland rose from £657 in November 2021 to £936 by July 2026. SNP MP Kirsty Blackman demanded that the Labour Government provide urgent assistance in the upcoming UK Budget to help households reduce bills.

Blackman argued that Scotland remains trapped in an economic doom loop under Westminster control and requires independence to achieve real change. While the SNP targeted the Prime Minister, the Bank of England remains the entity responsible for setting the interest rates affecting these mortgage costs.