Economy

Britons’ top four issues facing the country have remained the same since August: immigration first, followed by the economy, the NHS, and inflation.

The latest survey from Ipsos in the UK, taken following this week’s budget, explores public attitudes to the budget overall (and key measures within it) as well as the economy overall.

Fifty per cent name immigration as an important issue for Britain. The economy and NHS remain the second- and third-biggest issues, mentioned by 35% and 25% respectively.

Half (51%) of Britons now say they feel worse off since Labour was elected – but confidence in any of the main parties’ economic plans is low.

The Ipsos Economic Optimism Index has dipped back to -67, one point away from the record low of -68 seen in April of this year.

Three quarters (77%) of Britons are concerned about the personal impacts of the cost of living, with a majority expecting increased costs, particularly in food (82%) and utilities (79%) over the next six months.

The latest wave of research explores attitudes towards AI including barriers to using it, and what impacts AI will have across British Society.

The economy/cost of living, NHS waiting times and small boat crossings continue to dominate the public agenda. Despite these being public priorities, the government receives negative net satisfaction ratings across all thirteen milestones tested.

Ipsos Economic Optimism Index worsens to -56, with 68% expecting the economy to get worse over the next 12 months. Immigration remains the biggest issue facing the country, mentioned by 40%.