What’s Got Britons Talking Right Now?
Apparently the Ipsos Issues Index for October 2023 is a hot spring of opinions and concerns. Let’s break down what people are saying about the economy, inflation, the NHS, immigration, and housing.
1. The Economy Still Owns the Spotlight
- 38% of Brits still see the economy as a big deal.
- It’s the front‑page issue for 22% of respondents, who pick it as the single biggest problem.
- Bottom line: the economy’s still front‑running and hasn’t budged much from last month.
2. Inflation’s Re‑shining
- Inflation worry climbed 5 percentage points after dipping to its lowest since March 2022.
- Now 35% are on the alert, making it the country’s second‑biggest concern.
3. NHS: A Growing Pain Point
- 31% of Brits say the NHS matters most.
- Labour supporters (37%) feel it more intensely than Conservative backers (21%).
4. Immigration: A Mixed Bag
- About 22% flag it as a looming issue – a slight dip from September’s 26%.
- Among Conservatives, 39% mention immigration as a top concern, almost tied with inflation (38%) and the economy (36%).
- Labour members, and younger folks aged 18‑34, see it far less – only 15% and 9% respectively.
5. Housing – The New Contender
- Housing has slipped into the fifth spot, with 16% referencing it.
- This is the highest rating since the 2019 General Election – a sign of rising stress on the property market.
Bottom Line
Britain’s top worries are still the economy and inflation, but the NHS and housing are quickly gaining ground. Immigration remains a polarised issue, depending on who you ask (and who they belong to). The Ipsos survey paints a picture of a nation grappling with financial uncertainty, healthcare challenges, and a housing crisis that’s finally getting the attention it deserves.
Public Sentiment Shift, According to Mike Clemence
Mikey Clemence, a researcher over at Ipsos, sums it up in a nutshell: “The people’s worries are morphing, from pure money woes to all‑out fearabout the NHS and immigration.”
He’s not alone. The latest buzz shows housing jumping right up the list, and the dread of crime has gone double‑digit pop‑up times – but only the second since the pandemic kicked off.
Key worries in plain English
- Money matters – still under the microscope.
- Needing a healthy NHS – the new headline act.
- Immigration concerns – the country‑talk that’s trending.
- Housing – a top‑red flag for many households.
- Crime fears – the one that’s finally double‑digit for a second time.
Want the real‑time scoop? Subscribe!
Tap that button, and you’ll get live updates straight to your device. No more missing out on the next headline shift.
