Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces mounting public pressure to address her multi-billion pound Budget shortfall through spending reductions rather than tax increases, according to a revealing new survey.
The More In Common poll found that 67 per cent of Britons want the Chancellor to cut spending on public services, while only 33 per cent support her raising levies on working people. The findings emerge just days before Wednesday's critical Budget announcement.
Public Opinion on Budget Solutions
The survey of 2,007 people conducted between November 18-19 reveals a clear public preference for how the government should balance its books. As Ms Reeves scrambles to fill the substantial financial gap, the data suggests taxpayers are increasingly resistant to bearing the burden through higher taxes.
The Chancellor is expected to raise billions by freezing income tax thresholds for an extra two years until 2030, a move that nearly half (47 per cent) of respondents believe would break Labour's manifesto promise not to increase income tax.
Controversial Revenue Measures
Several contentious revenue-raising measures are reportedly under consideration, including a National Insurance raid on salary sacrifice schemes covering pensions, and the introduction of a 'mansion tax' targeting more expensive properties.
Electric car drivers also face potential new costs through a pay-per-mile levy on their vehicles. Meanwhile, in what appears to be a balancing act, Ms Reeves is widely expected to allocate approximately £3 billion annually to welfare by eliminating the two-child benefit cap, a move designed to appease Labour MPs.
Political Reactions and Manifesto Concerns
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch launched a sharp criticism of the Chancellor's approach, stating that Ms Reeves should 'have the balls' to admit that freezing income tax thresholds would constitute a breach of Labour's manifesto commitment not to raise taxes on working people.
Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common, told the Sunday Times: 'Britons aren't blind to the challenges facing the Chancellor. The public overwhelmingly feels that the economy and public finances are deeply broken.'
He added that breaking Labour's flagship manifesto pledge would represent 'a serious breach of trust' that voters consider worse than Partygate, the PPE scandal, or changes to winter fuel allowances.
In her own commentary for the same newspaper, Ms Reeves defended her approach, insisting her Budget would ease cost of living pressures while vowing to 'get a grip on inflation'. She emphasised that controlling public spending aligns with Labour values, stating: 'There is nothing fair or progressive about unfairness and waste in government.'
The Chancellor also signalled forthcoming welfare reforms, describing the current system as 'designed to punish' rather than help people into work. Her proposed changes would ensure 'it doesn't pay to be off sick instead of in work' and tackle youth unemployment through guaranteed job opportunities.
This comes after earlier attempts to reduce Britain's ballooning benefits bill were abandoned following widespread revolt among Labour MPs, though Ms Reeves indicated renewed efforts would soon be presented.
