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Ipsos Predictions 2023: A heatwave, an election, a general strike and food shortages, what are Britons expecting to happen in 2023?
As 2022 comes to an end, Ipsos asked the public to look forward to what 2023 could bring. From a general election, to a general strike, heatwaves to food shortages, what has next year got in store for us?
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Harsh home truths
Economic turmoil has brought the housing affordability crisis into sharper relief for mortgage holders and renters. What can Government do? The response to COVID-19 was to pull more levers: eviction bans, mortgage and Stamp Duty holidays. In the Autumn Statement, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced capping social rents in England, but the Scottish Government had already gone further, faster, introducing a freeze on private as well as social rents and a moratorium on evictions. Previously, Michael Gove recommitted the Government to building 300,000 homes a year. Action will take years to deliver results, requiring considerable political courage. Public opinion will need careful management too. Has the housing crisis become bigger and uglier?
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Support for nurse strikes falls – though still outweighs opposition – as half say the pay rise they’re asking for is too high
As nurses hold the biggest strike in NHS history, how do the public feel about the action?
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Understanding Society 2022: What is the real cost of the cost of living crisis?
This edition of Understanding Society covers a diverse and varied array of topics relating to the cost-of-living crisis, and how the rising costs have been affecting British society. Ipsos researchers consider food insecurity, sustainable living, the housing market, generational divides, and much more.
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Mission critical – Levelling Up, a balancing act
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak gave a ‘cast-iron commitment’ to prioritise levelling up in his first PMQs. In the face of an economic situation requiring ‘eye-wateringly difficult decisions’, what hope do the public have that living standards, high streets, and public services will prosper in the coming years? The public are pessimistic about delivery but the appetite for action is unlikely to lessen.
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From the cost of living to sustainable living
A greener lifestyle is often seen as expensive but is the cost of living crisis changing this? Our research shows that UK households plan to make environmentally friendly changes due to, not despite of, the rising costs. These changes create opportunities to tackle two key concerns together and the public don't always see a trade-off. How can Government and businesses make the most of this and change the narrative to “it is cheap being green”? And what are the implications for encouraging sustainable behaviour change?
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Poverty, poor health, and the NHS: Stopping the spiral
Ipsos research shows that Britons believe increases to the cost of living pose a risk to the nation’s health. But what does the crisis mean for the NHS and the service it can provide – particularly to those feeling the effects of increased poverty – and how can we stop a downward spiral?
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Cost of living crisis in Northern Ireland: a consumer journey
Consumers in Northern Ireland are being impacted by rising costs, at a time when they already have the lowest gross weekly income compared to the UK average. Captured through interviews and video diaries, the real-life journeys in this article show how affordability permeates all aspects of the consumer experience and highlights how people are making difficult financial decisions and sacrifices with their food shopping behaviours. With the prospect of a second Northern Ireland Assembly election within a year, we reflect on the challenges any future Executive faces in delivering for the people of Northern Ireland.
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An economist's take: Interview with Dr Linda Yueh
Through an economist's lens, Dr Linda Yueh shares her take on key challenges of the cost of living crisis, thoughts on economic policy and growth, and some possible glimmers of good news.
Dr Linda Yueh is an economist at Oxford University and London Business School, and the author of The Great Economists: How Their Ideas Can Help Us Today. -
Food insecurity: too much to stomach
The price of food is up by 16.4% from last year – the largest uplift since the 1980s. Two in five (39%) are now worried about affording food next month. Shoppers are being savvier by switching supermarkets and buying essential ranges, but these are temporary fixes and unlikely to help everyone. The poorest households and those with children are being hit the hardest, as they are more likely to be skipping meals and suffering the health consequences. The government has already published the Food Strategy White Paper, but while policy proposals have been forward looking, is enough being done now?