The Cabinet Office announced on 2 September 2026 that three new cross-government taskforces were being launched in the new Office for the Prime Minister & Cabinet. According to the release, they would tackle systemic issues including the cost of living, public control of essentials and support for local communities, coordinating departments and ministers around priorities the Prime Minister set out to Cabinet the previous day.

First Secretary of State Louise Haigh was to drive the work across central and local government, including with regional mayors. The stated immediate focus was challenging everyday rip-offs, the visible decline of local town centres and what the release described as the failure of many privatised utilities to deliver basic services at a fair price. Haigh said the aim was to put people back in control of the things that matter most to them and make everyday essentials more affordable and accountable.

The cost-of-living taskforce was to examine long-term pressures on families, building on cited action including cuts to bus fares, support with energy bills and a crackdown on subscription traps. The public control taskforce was to examine how public control across housing, water, energy and transport could be used, including market reform. The community renewal work was to be developed with local leaders; the release did not specify timetables or funding.