To slash tax or splash cash… voters split on what Rachel Reeves must do in Spring Statement_Nhy
Britons are split on whether the Chancellor should cut taxes or boost public spending in next week’s Spring Statement, polling reveals.
An Ipsos survey found 31 per cent of voters believe Rachel Reeves should cut taxes, even if it means spending less on public services.
But 34 per cent urged her to increase spending on public services, even if that meant paying more in taxes.
Ms Reeves is, however, unlikely to do either as she struggles to balance the books. Instead, she is preparing significant spending cuts, and is not expected to make major tax changes.
Gideon Skinner, head of politics research at Ipsos, said the public wasn’t offering her ‘any really easy way out’.
He added: ‘Britons are split on whether to increase spending on public services or cut taxes.
If we look at where things were in June, there has been a slight change in the mood music as people are focusing less on increased public spending and more worried about the impact of higher taxes.’
In a poll last June, 40 per cent of voters wanted the Chancellor to spend more on public services, even if that meant paying more tax, compared with 27 per cent who wanted lower taxes, even if that hit public services.
Britons are split on whether the Chancellor should cut taxes or boost public spending in next week’s Spring Statement, polling reveals. An Ipsos survey found 31 per cent of voters believe Rachel Reeves should cut taxes, even if it means spending less on public services
But 34 per cent urged her to increase spending on public services, even if that meant paying more in taxes (stock image)
Mr Skinner said opinion about taxing firms more had shifted, adding: ‘There has been a move away from openness to taxing business to pay for public services to feeling we should reduce taxes on businesses to help them invest in growth.
‘Indeed, when we look at things like the impact of the national insurance rise, the public tend to focus on the negative impact they think that is going to bring in terms of higher prices or lower wages than on the potential for increasing spending on public services.
‘That’s part of the issue Labour faces.’
He said the public wanted to protect the NHS, borders, social care and housing, and had a ‘rising concern’ about defence spending.
The online poll of more than 1,000 British adults, between March 14 and March 17, also found that foreign aid was the area the public was most happy to see cut. It also supported some benefits cuts.
