Issues Index

The latest Ipsos Economic Optimism Index (EOI) reveals that net economic optimism in Britain has fallen to the lowest levels ever recorded since Ipsos began collecting this data in 1978. In the latest data, collected 8-14 April 2026, 78% of Britons expect the economy to get worse over the next 12 months (up 3ppts since last month), the highest level recorded since the Index began.

The March 2026 Ipsos Issues Index reveals a sharp increase in public concern about defence and foreign affairs.

The February 2026 Ipsos Issues Index reveals that immigration continued to be seen as the biggest issue facing the country that month.

Concern about defence has doubled since last month to 24%, making it the joint third-biggest issue for the country.

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

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.

Forty-seven per cent name immigration as an important issue for Britain. Lack of faith in politicians enters the top five issues, rising six points from September.

Fifty-one per cent name immigration as an important issue for Britain, the highest score since October 2015.

Three in ten (31%) say their local area is housing more than its fair share of asylum seekers, doubling to 61% of Reform UK voters. The public is divided on the acceptability of protesting outside hotels housing asylum seekers (36% acceptable vs. 39% unacceptable).