Attitudes to Kent's economic prospects in 2009

A study amongst Kent residents reveals that most adults have already made lifestyle changes to combat the perceived economic downturn, or intend to do so in the New Year, including pledging to eat out less, spend less on clothes, holidays, trips to the pub and even charity donations.

76 per cent fear that the economy in Kent will get worse in the next 12 months.  However, 15 per cent thought it would stay the same and five per cent predicted an improvement.  This is gloomier than the findings of a national Ipsos poll at the same time which showed that 68 per cent thought it would get worse, 13 per cent that it would stay the same and 17 per cent that it would improve.

Sir Robert Worcester, the founder of MORI, who lives in Kent, said: "Kent's EOI (Economic Optimism Index) is significantly worse than the rest of the country.  While two thirds of British adults believe things are going to get worse in the coming year, in Kent it's three people in four.

"This is a complete turn-around on the 1991-92 recession when it began in the North and took a year or 18 months before it reached Kent."

Ipsos MORI conducted 378 on-line interviews among Kent Messenger Citizens' Panel (KMCP) members aged 16 and over between 31 October and 14 November 2008.  Data is weighted to the known population profile.  The on-line panel was set up by the Kent Messenger Group and Kent County Council to provide feedback on issues important to the wellbeing of the region and its residents.

• Download the topline results

Do you want to join the Kent and Medway Citizens' Panel and help the decision-makers understand more about the region and its residents?

Go to the Kent and Medway Citizens' Panel website for more details and an entry form