The Labour Party candidate for Makerfield, however, said that cutting business rates isn’t the ‘be all and end all’ and that ‘there's probably more needed to secure the future of these businesses’. @MENnewsdesk
I’ve spoken to Burnham about his proposed business rates cut. He said he thinks the change is ‘critical’ and that it could be ‘the difference in the next two or three years as to whether they [pubs and high street businesses] survive or not.’ @MENnewsdesk
Burnham said: “I am willing to be honest about where we have fallen short - and say that my party has got this wrong in Government. They have undervalued the contribution these businesses make to our livelihoods and our communities.” @MENnewsdesk
Burnham says ‘Labour have got it wrong on small businesses’ as he calls for action in Makerfield to have business rates slashed for pubs and have many small family high-street businesses like hairdressers, cafes and shops taken out of business rates altogether. @MENnewsdesk
I’m in Makerfield this afternoon as Andy Burnham has just announced he is calling for pubs and clubs to have their business rates slashed next year by 20%. @MENnewsdesk
Look at those crowds! People are taking photos with their medals and making their way off the course as the last runners finish their 10ks. @MENnewsdesk
This is Yoni Finlay. Last year he was shot outside the Heaton Park Synagogue. Today he’s ran a half marathon at the Great Manchester Run to raise money for the Friendship Circle. @MENnewsdesk
Staff from Manchester Hospital School have come out today in their bee costumes ready for the 10k. They’ve raised almost £2k for the Leo Kelly School. @MENnewsdesk
This is Charlie Smith (@chasingrcharlie on socials). He’s just finished the half marathon in 1:20:10 and says the atmosphere today has been incredible. @MENnewsdesk