A new poll has revealed significant public backing for tax increases in the upcoming Budget, provided the burden falls predominantly on the wealthiest in society.
The survey, commissioned by the campaign group 38 Degrees and shared exclusively with the Mirror, comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver her high-stakes fiscal statement on Wednesday, November 26.
Clear Public Mandate for Fair Taxation
When asked if they would support tax rises that are "proportionate to wealth, with those who have the most paying more, and those with the least being least affected", a decisive 64% of voters agreed. Only 14% expressed disagreement in the poll conducted by Survation.
This public sentiment aligns with the Chancellor's own repeated assertion that those with the "broadest shoulders should pay their fair share of tax", even though she has previously ruled out implementing a formal wealth tax.
Budget Priorities and Fiscal Pressure
The poll also highlighted the key pressures facing the government. A significant 62% of voters want Rachel Reeves to take direct action to ease the cost of living for ordinary people.
Furthermore, over half of those surveyed (52%) want specific measures to help families, while a quarter (25%) are calling for increased funding for public services like the NHS.
In a striking finding that indicates the depth of concern, 63% said the Chancellor should consider breaking her own fiscal rules to alleviate pressures on households, a move that could risk triggering market turmoil.
Voices from Unions and Campaigners
Matthew McGregor, CEO of 38 Degrees, stated: "Tax. The. Rich. The message couldn’t be clearer. The public really want the Government to help people’s day to day lives improve, and they should fund this by asking those with the broadest shoulders to shoulder the burden the most."
He added that the government "would do right by bearing this in mind" when finalising its spending announcements.
The TUC's general secretary, Paul Nowak, described the upcoming statement as a crucial "living standards Budget", urging action on energy bills, the minimum wage, and the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap.
Meanwhile, Unite's general secretary, Sharon Graham, issued a stark warning, stating the Budget must "show whose side Labour is on" and that failure to act could see people "move away from Labour".
The Chancellor faces the challenge of plugging an estimated £20 billion black hole in the public finances. While a major hike in income tax is unlikely, the continued freeze on income tax thresholds – a so-called 'stealth tax' – remains a point of contention, despite Sir Keir Starmer recently refusing to rule out its extension.
Amidst these challenges, the government has already pre-announced some measures, including a freeze on NHS prescription costs and the first freeze to rail fares in three decades.
