Voters want action on cost-of-living ahead of Budget

The cost of living is voters’ main concern ahead of the chancellor’s Budget, a new poll has found.

According to PLMR and Electoral Calculus, 59% of voters want to see government action on the cost of living and the economy.

That puts the issue ahead of immigration (51%) and the NHS (45%).

The very nature of the cost-of-living crisis means it cuts across different demographics.

But Labour voters are particularly likely to rank this issue above all others, with 68% naming it as their biggest concern.

A message to government 

“The electorate is demanding action on the economy first and foremost,” said Kevin Craig, chief executive of PLMR.

“It’s time to forget the slogans and the clever language. 

“Instead, the government must keep calm and focus on delivering more money into working people’s pockets.”

Martin Baxter, founder of Electoral Calculus, added: “Voters are making their priorities clear, placing the economy, immigration and the NHS at the top of the agenda.”

Cost of living a priority for chancellor

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already pledged to take action to bring down the cost of living in the Budget, which is happening on 26 November.

In a speech earlier this month, she acknowledged that food and energy prices are still weighing heavily on people, and suggested that steps will be taken to ease the pressure on hard-pressed households.

“The choices I make in the Budget this month will be focused on getting inflation falling, creating the conditions for interest rate cuts to support economic growth and [improving] the cost of living,” Reeves said.

The chancellor is reportedly considering scrapping VAT from energy bills, which could make a big difference to people struggling with the cost of gas and electricity right now.

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