Majority of Voters Support Higher Taxes on the Wealthy to Fix broken Public Services

Majority of Voters Support Higher Taxes for the Wealthy to Fund Public Services

A new survey by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has revealed that nearly three-quarters of voters (71%) believe the wealthy should pay more taxes to support public services, while only 29% think the wealthy are already contributing their fair share.

TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak commented on the findings, saying, "Voters have a clear idea of how to protect public services and avoid more austerity. It’s the same as Keir Starmer said when he took office – 'those with the broadest shoulders should bear the heaviest burden.'"

Economic Concerns Ahead of Spring Statement

The survey results come as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver the Spring Statement amid concerns of potential spending cuts for some government departments. Reeves acknowledged on Sunday that the economy is "not growing fast enough," with the Office for Budget Responsibility expected to release bleak forecasts on Wednesday.

While the Chancellor has promised "real-terms" increases in spending each year and denied accusations that Labour is steering towards austerity, she has avoided confirming whether unprotected departments such as the Ministry of Justice and the Home Office will face budget reductions.

"Last year, I put £100 billion more into capital spending than the previous government had committed to, and we invested more than £20 billion into the NHS," Reeves told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. "That is a far cry from what we've seen under Conservative governments in the last 14 years."

Civil Service Job Cuts and Potential Impact

Reeves also announced plans to cut around 10,000 civil service jobs, aiming to save approximately £2 billion per year by 2029-2030.

"By the end of this Parliament, we are making a commitment to cut the costs of running government by 15%," she stated.

However, the Public and Commercial Services Union General Secretary, Fran Heathcote, warned that these cuts could severely impact frontline services.

"You hear from the public every day about their frustrations – long wait times on the phone for tax payments, jobseekers rushed through the system in minutes, and victims of crime waiting until 2027 for their cases to be heard in court," Heathcote said. "The asylum system backlog also results in additional hotel costs. Cutting staff will not only harm our members but also the public and the essential services they depend on."

The debate over taxation and spending cuts is expected to intensify as the government navigates its economic challenges in the coming months.