New polling data from Ipsos in the UK, conducted in October 2026, reveals widespread public pessimism regarding the UK's economic trajectory as the Labour Government led by Andy Burnham prepares its fiscal agenda. With immigration (40%), the economy (31%), and inflation (30%) standing as the dominant concerns on the Ipsos Issues Index, the British public displays continued economic pessimism and widespread anticipation of impending tax rises.
As has been the case since September 2008, the economy is the most important issue facing the country today according to the public. Over half (55%) place it amongst the most important issues, a similar percentage to the number who cited this issue last month (54%).
Indeed, the economy shows no sign of being knocked off the top spot - the second highest issue (race relations/immigration) is cited as an important issue by only half as many respondents (27%).
Ipsos's June Issues Index shows that, according to the public, the economy remains the most important issue facing the country, as has been the case since September of last year. Over half (54%) see it is an important issue, though this represents a drop of five percentage points since May. This is also a drop of sixteen percentage points since January, when seven in ten (70%) saw it as among the most important issues.
The economy is still the most important issue facing Britain, while, as Britain withdraws from Iraq, concern about defence and foreign affairs is at its lowest since 9/11.
Ipsos's February Issues Index shows that the economy remains the most important issue facing Britain as far as the public are concerned. However, the percentage of those saying the economy is among the most important issues facing Britain (67%) has decreased since last month (when it peaked at 70%). This is the first time since July 2008 that there has been a drop (albeit a small one) in the number concerned about the economy. Crime remains in second place, cited as an important issue by a third (32%) of the public.
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.
Ipsos's monthly Issues Index (conducted face-to-face from 11-16 December 2008) shows that, for the fourth consecutive month, the economy remains at the top of the list of the most important issues facing Britain.
Ipsos's monthly Issues Index (conducted face-to-face monthly of c. 1,000 British adults age 18+) shows that the economy remains at the top of the list of public concerns. In fact, for the second month in a row, Ipsos has recorded our highest-ever rating for the economy, with more than three in five (62%) of the public rating it as one of the most important issues facing Britain, and increase of four points from last month.
