Andy Burnham to embark on cost of living tour through the UK

The prime minister is set to announce "a series of measures to make life easier" for those struggling with the cost of living in the coming days, Downing Street says.

No 10 says Andy Burnham's plans are to "give people some room to breathe". He will also focus on ways of "improving high streets" as he embarks on a tour of the UK.

But the government is facing continued pressure over its early release scheme for prisoners in England and Wales – with criticism of the fact that two of PC Andrew Harper's killers will be eligible from next year.

Burnham is also likely to face pressure for more action on the cost of living – although significant interventions are unlikely before October's Budget.

Even then, Chancellor John Healey has made it clear he will oversee "strong fiscal discipline" – which will limit how much the government has to spend.

The prime minister has been on holiday this week, but Downing Street said he would be in "listening mode" in the coming days as he tours the UK's nations and regions and works on a "10-year plan to bring back hope".

A spokesman for the prime minister said: "He thinks Westminster has got used to telling people that everyday hassles – like hidden pricing and consumers being ripped off – must be accepted as part of life.

"He doesn't think that's right. That's why he's going to start rolling out a series of pro-consumer cost of living measures to give people some room to breathe."