Ipsos UK Poll: The Economy’s Got Us Sparkling
When the Autumn Statement was still brewing…
Before the government unveiled its latest fiscal blueprint on Friday 17th November (until Monday 20th), a fresh Ipsos survey popped up on the scene, capturing how everyday Brits feel about the economy, inflation, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak steering the ship.
Key Takeaways
- Inflation’s No Joke: Almost half of respondents say rising prices are a real headache.
- Sunak’s Six Pillars: The survey tapped into how voters rate his five main promises—from cutting taxes to boosting growth.
- Confidence on Hold: While some feel a bit cautious about the future, the majority still trust Sunak’s plan, albeit with a pinch of skepticism.
- Public Pulse: Over 70% think the government’s fresh measures won’t solve all problems, yet they’re hopeful for a brighter 2025.
Why It Matters
These findings give the Chancellor a quick snapshot of public sentiment right before the fiscal agenda hits the nation’s inbox. The next season of games, budgeting, and policy tweaks will be painted against this backdrop—so keep an ear to the ground, folks!
Who do the public credit for falling inflation?
Who’s Really Driving UK Inflation?
When people were asked what’s been doing the cocktail of factors that have kept the price of things from dropping, the opinion poll turned into a half‑split fight between two political heavyweights: Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt.
Poll Snapshot: Split Opinions on Sunak & Hunt
- 46% say Sunak and Hunt have greatly or fairly helped curb inflation.
- 43% believe they’ve only had a minimal impact – or none at all.
Turning the Tables: Who’s Behind the Economy’s Current Soup?
People flipped their stance when asked who’s behind the UK’s present economic mess.
- 66% think the current Prime Minister, Sunak, and the Chancellor, Hunt, are at the root of these woes.
- 68% blame the Conservative Party’s 13‑year economic playbook.
- Same 68% blame the brief reign of Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng.
Other Big Players in the Mix
- 60% point to the Bank of England’s decisions.
- 58% see the global economy’s ebb and flow as the main grease.
The Heavy Hitters: Pandemic & Global Economy
When the table turned to the biggest long‑term blows, the public poured out with boldness.
- 79% believe the COVID‑19 pandemic had a “great deal” or “fair amount” influence on Britain’s troubles.
- 73% see the state of the global economy as a major culprit.
In short, it’s a classic case of “who’s to blame”, with opinions swinging between political leaders, monetary policy, and the outside world. And with the pandemic still looming in people’s memories, it’s no wonder that few are willing to point the finger at a single culprit. That’s the stew, folks – simmering, spicy, and full of unexpected ingredients!
The Conservatives and the economy
Jeremy Hunt’s Pop‑Vote Hits a Mixed Trend
Apparently, folks still have a split opinion about the veteran finance minister. A neat 23% of the people say he’s doing a good job running the purse strings as Chancellor, while a larger slice—35%—declare him a bad performer. The numbers haven’t really shifted this year, but back in November they were noticeably lower, at 17% and 29%, respectively. So both those cheering and those booing have edged up a bit.
Cost‑of‑Living Reviews: A Tale of Two Opinions
- 20% feel Hunt is crushing it when it comes to easing the cost‑of‑living crunch.
- 45% argue that he’s doing a bad job in this area.
Looking back at the 2019 Conservative base, things were a little different: 33% said he nailed it, while 32% said he slipped. So the budget‑busting debate is still very much alive.
Rishi Sunak pledges
Sunak’s Big Pointers – What the Public Really Cares About
*The latest Ipsos poll gives us a clear window into what the British are prioritising when it comes to the current government’s promises. Here’s the rundown, plain‑English style, and a dash of humour to keep things fun.
1. What People Think Matters Most
*- Lowering the cost of living – 61 % say it’s the top priority.
- Tougher NHS waiting lists – 55 % feel this needs urgent action.
- Speeding up NHS care – 52 % want faster “help, not hurry” service.
- From 2019 Conservative voters, illegal immigration and economic growth still climb the list.
2. The Reality Check – How They Rate the Government
*- Only 38 % think the Conservatives are nailing the cost‑of‑living squeeze; 62 % say they’re looking pretty bad.
- When it comes to shrinking NHS waiting lists, a whopping 69 % believe the government is failing, while a modest 31 % see them doing a decent job.
- For fast‑track NHS care, a similar picture: 68 % feel the government’s performance is poor, 32 % feel it’s okay.
3. Inflation – A Mixed Bag
*- After fresh inflation data, 27 % are cheering Sunak for cutting prices in half this year (up by 13 points since September).
- Conversely, 43 % still think the job on inflation has been a flop (down 14 points).
4. Geoff of the Germs – Ipsos Politics Director’s Take
*- “People are finding better footing for Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt as prices tick down, but it’s not a full‑blown shift in how we see the economy overall,” said Keiran Pedley.
- “Nearly half think they did a decent job on the price drop, but 6 out of 10 still believe the team’s handling of cost‑of‑living is awful. Plus, 2/3 think Sunak and Hunt’s policies actually made the economic environment tougher from scratch.
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