One burning issue stands out where Brits need help in Wednesday's Budget
Bringing down Britain’s energy bills is “by far” the public’s top priority for this week’s Budget, according to new research by More in Common. The Prime Minister has been warned Wednesday’s Budget will be the “biggest test yet” of whether he can “make a real difference to people’s lives”. Slashing the cost of energy was named as a top wish by nearly six out of 10 Britons (58%). This came well ahead of investing in public services such as the NHS (33%) and cutting taxes (32%). It was the top priority for people who voted Conservative (60%), Reform UK (54%), Labour (52%) and Liberal Democrat (49%) at the last election.
TL;DR
- Slashing energy bills is the top priority for nearly six out of 10 Britons, across all major political affiliations.
- Fewer than 10% of Britons expect the Budget to reduce energy bills; nearly 80% fear they will increase.
- A majority (54%) support a VAT cut on electricity bills, but 64% believe it won't make a real financial difference.
- An affordable annual energy bill is estimated by Britons to be around £1,080.
- Middle-income voters feel overlooked and struggle to qualify for energy support, risking a broken social contract.
- Support for councils funding grants or vouchers for heat pumps is high (45%).
- The government has cut VAT on electricity bills and removed £150 from bills earlier this year.