Overview
- New YouGov data finds 79% say the economy is in a bad state and 77% rate the government’s handling of it as poor.
- Public support clusters around specific measures, including higher taxes on gambling companies (82%), removing VAT from energy bills (76%), taxes on the most expensive homes (60%), and subsidies for youth jobs (60%).
- Personal tax rises are viewed as unfair by 66%, and the floated basic rate income tax increase was abandoned following backlash.
- Expectations diverge from preferences, with many anticipating higher fuel duty (58%) and lower Cash ISA allowances (52%) while only 8% think energy VAT removal will happen.
- The Daily Mail reports Rachel Reeves briefed MPs on a potential ‘mansion tax’, as opposition figures and business leaders warn pre‑Budget uncertainty is denting investment and the IFS outlines costs if tax thresholds remain frozen.