Voters in the former Conservative stronghold of Aldershot have expressed disappointment with Labour’s autumn budget, labelling it a “damp squib” and accusing the government of “tinkering around the edges”. The focus group, conducted by research group More in Common, included homeowners and those in relatively high-paid jobs, yet they described feeling financially insecure and let down by the government they helped elect.
“I think actually the thing that makes me most angry about this Labour government is that I was really hopeful for them,” said Rebecca, a lecturer. Rob, a carpenter, said he had lost faith in the government over the past six months. Many in the group switched from Conservative to Labour in the last general election, desperate for change, but now feel the budget failed to address the cost of living crisis.
The pre-budget briefings and U-turns coloured their perceptions, with Rebecca describing the lead-up as “chaotic” and “a comedy of errors”. Martin, a product manager, called the budget “a damp squib” and “just … meh”. Others criticised specific measures, such as cutting the tax-free cash ISA allowance, taxing electric vehicles, and freezing income tax bands, which Hayley, an assistant headteacher, called “sneaky” and “underhanded”.
While there was some sympathy for the chancellor’s difficult task, the overwhelming sentiment was impatience. Annette, an executive assistant, said the government is “just doing the bare minimum rather than really tackling some of the really big issues”. The group felt the budget failed to provide the bold action needed to ease financial pressures on working people.
