The report reveals that more people are finding it challenging to manage their finances, with only a third feeling financially secure. This struggle is attributed to rising prices and stagnant wage growth, causing a record 26% to find it difficult to make ends meet compared to 16% before the pandemic.
According to the British Social Attitudes report, two-thirds of individuals believe their incomes have not kept pace with inflation, a slight improvement from the 70% recorded during the peak of the cost of living crisis in 2023. The report also highlights concerns about tax thresholds, with 61% stating that taxes on low earners are too high and 44% feeling that middle-income earners are also overtaxed.
Interestingly, 44% of respondents believe that taxes for the highest earners are too low, indicating a varied perception of tax fairness across income brackets. The report also delves into public opinion on the welfare system, revealing a decline in support for increased spending on disability benefits, from 67% in 2017 to 45% currently.
Perceptions of the National Health Service (NHS) are also a focal point, with a significant increase in dissatisfaction, rising to 59% from 25% in 2019. Long waiting times contribute to this sentiment, with only 21% expressing satisfaction with the health service. The report also touches on defense spending, with approximately 40% of Britons supporting increased funding for weapons and troops.
The government’s decision to purchase stealth jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons and NATO’s commitment to boost defense spending are highlighted. Additionally, the National Security Strategy emphasizes the need to prepare for potential wartime scenarios within the UK homeland, signaling a shift in defense priorities. Public perception of global threats is also explored, with 90% considering Russia a significant threat to world peace, followed by Iran, North Korea, Israel, and China.
Overall, the report underscores the public’s awareness of pressing issues facing the UK, such as healthcare challenges, economic struggles, and defense priorities. Despite these challenges, there remains a prevailing sentiment of looking to the government for solutions to address these complex issues.
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