Ellie Ames 01 July 2024

Poll reveals support for tax increases to boost public services

Poll reveals support for tax increases to boost public services image
Image: Ink Drop / Shutterstock.com

More than half of UK households support investment in public services even if it means they are taxed more, according to new analysis.

As part of research commissioned by abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, around 5,600 households were asked what policies the next government should prioritise.

The majority (56%) supported increased spending on public services even if it meant tax rises for households like theirs, while a quarter (24%) said taxes should be reduced for households like theirs, even if it meant less spending on public services.

But when people were asked what policies the next government should prioritise, the most common answer was a reduction in council tax (43%).

The policy that people were most likely to view as good for the country but not for their own household was more hours of free childcare.

Abrdn Financial Fairness Trust CEO Mubin Haq said: ‘During the election campaign both Labour and the Conservatives have ruled out increases to our major sources of tax.

‘As a result this is likely to mean significant cuts to a number of public services which are already visibly struggling.

‘The public are clear as to which they would prefer – tax increases before public spending cuts, even if this means higher tax rises for their household.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Tea Time Club Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro-rata
Tea Time Club Assistant  Grade 1 £24,027 pro-rata Permanent 10 hours per week Required from September 2025 Would you like to work with a group of won Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Licensing Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 £28,598
The Community Protection Service is looking for 2 Licensing Assistants to join the Business Compliance Team    1 x Temporary for 1 year 1 x Temporary Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisor

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Lunchtime Supervisor  Required from 1st September 2025 Grade 1    £24,027 pro rata Permanent We are seeking to appoint a Lunchtime Supervisor to join Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Child Protection Chair (Registered Social Worker)

North East Lincolnshire Council
Up to £48,710 dependent upon experience
We are seeking an Child Protection Chair who is a registered qualified and experienced Social Worker. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Organisation and Service Designer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC34 £43,693
If you’re someone who can blend creative storytelling to inspire customers, staff and leaders North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner