New polling data from Ipsos reveals that the number of Britons who favour personal tax cuts even if it means less spending on public services has risen to 45%, up from 36% in February this year.
Growing Support Among Conservative and Reform Voters
According to the poll, growing support for tax cuts has been driven by voters who backed the Conservatives and Reform UK in 2024. Meanwhile, nearly half of Labour and Liberal Democrat supporters continue to prefer increased public spending instead.
Additionally, 70% of respondents believe it is very or fairly likely that Prime Minister Andy Burnham will increase personal taxes over the next year, though this figure has dropped from 77% last October.
Challenges for the New Government
Ipsos Senior Director Gideon Skinner said: “These latest figures show the challenges that will face Andy Burnham’s new government as household budgets remain under sustained pressure.”
He added: “Demand for better quality public services has been a consistent theme over recent years, but we are also seeing a growing proportion of Britons prioritising direct tax relief and national debt reduction over higher state spending funded by taxes or borrowing.”
Skinner noted: “Having said that, Labour’s base – and the wider bloc of left-leaning voters – do continue to prefer increased public spending, but there are signs of growing political divisions on this issue as Conservative and Reform UK supporters increase their calls for tax cuts.”
He concluded: “As the new Chancellor balances long-term infrastructure needs against immediate economic pressures, the government faces a key challenge in convincing the public that any potential tax or spending decisions can be aligned with families’ day-to-day financial realities.”
Burnham Responds to Inflation Pressures
Burnham has pledged to do what he can to help Britons through “really hard” times as cost pressures mount after figures showed inflation surging to a four-month high and forecasts for more pain ahead.
Burnham blamed the “effect of the conflict in the Middle East” after official data showed Consumer Prices Index inflation hit 2.9% in July, up from 2.6% in June and the highest level since March.
Speaking during a visit to the North East, Mr Burnham said: “We can’t control though what is going on in the Middle East, and the effect of the conflict there is now being felt in inflation here, and in other countries around the world.”
He added: “But people can be sure that what I can do to help people, I will do, I realise these times are really hard but already people can see a month into office I have done things that will make a difference.”
