Paul Nowak, the general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), has urged Labour leader Andy Burnham to take more decisive action in tackling the cost of living crisis. Nowak suggested implementing a tax on banks, alongside other measures such as insourcing public services and introducing new employment rights. These proposals come as the TUC prepares for its annual Congress in Brighton, where the focus will be on the ongoing economic challenges faced by workers. Nowak highlighted that many workers continue to struggle with high energy bills, job insecurity, and stagnant wages. A recent poll commissioned by the TUC revealed that energy costs are the public’s greatest concern, with 68% of respondents supporting a tax on banks to help reduce these bills. Only 20% opposed the idea. Additionally, 56% of those surveyed said the cost of living should be the government’s top priority. While Nowak praised Burnham for quickly introducing policies such as a cap on bus fares and a reduction in VAT on energy bills, he stressed that more needs to be done. He emphasized the ongoing challenges of high energy costs, unstable employment, and low pay, calling for an economy that better supports working people. The TUC is also pushing the prime minister to introduce a windfall tax on banks, which would target their large profits and bonus payments. The proposed windfall tax would generate funds to help reduce energy bills for two-thirds of households through a social tariff. This initiative aims to provide relief to families struggling with rising costs, while also addressing the growing public demand for action on the cost of living crisis.