While some expressed cautious optimism, many voiced doubts about whether Reeves’s ambitious plans could be fully delivered and how they would be funded.
The rapid-response voter panel, commissioned by the campaign group 38 Degrees and conducted by pollsters JL Partners, found that while announcements on the NHS and housing were broadly welcomed, scepticism about delivery and funding was a significant concern.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves presenting her spending review to members of Parliament (Photo: Reuters)
The Government promised a 3 per cent real-terms increase in NHS funding. The move drew support from voters across the political spectrum, though many felt it did not go far enough.
Another, a 42-year-old unemployed woman who voted Plaid Cymru, said: “This is a long time coming. There should be more of an increase, but it’s a start.”
Even among those sceptical of the Government’s overall approach, investment in health care was seen as overdue. “I’m glad more is being invested in the NHS, however, it is only scratching the surface,” said a 42-year-old analyst who voted Liberal Democrat.
Affordable homes pledge ‘still not enough’
“I hope they pull through, we are in a time of a lot of homelessness, so it’d be good to know that all these newly built empty houses are actually going to be used,” said a 35-year-old Labour voter working in hazardous waste removal.
But not everyone was convinced. A 57-year-old scaffolder and Conservative voter responded simply: “Still not enough.”
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner (L) and Chancellor Rachel Reeves (R) visit Bournes Bank housing development site in Mach in Stoke on Trent. (Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images)
Scepticism around the Government’s delivery record also surfaced repeatedly. “It won’t affect me directly, but like all their promises on funding, I’ll believe it once it has actually happened,” said a 59-year-old medical secretary.
“I think it is a step in the right direction and will make a small difference,” said a 42-year-old Liberal Democrat analyst.
Others were unconvinced. “I won’t notice any difference… but I suspect taxes will be raised further down the line to help pay for all this, making most of us worse off,” said a 67-year-old Reform supporter.
A step forward to make the UK a ‘fairer’ country
Despite the doubts, many participants acknowledged that the plans had moved in a fairer direction. A 76-year-old Reform voter said simply: “Definitely seems fair.”
A 73-year-old Liberal Democrat and social worker said: “I think any plans to improve the NHS and other infrastructure in this country are a step forward after years of neglect.”
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Matthew McGregor, CEO of 38 Degrees, said the results show voters want ambition but need reassurance. “Voters now need reassurance on two levels: firstly, that these plans will come to fruition, and secondly, around how they’ll be funded,” he said.
Tom Lubbock, co-founder of JL Partners, said: “The Chancellor will be pleased with the responses, but will have to answer those questions voters had further down the line.”
But even supporters of the spending acknowledged it may take more than promises to convince the electorate that change is really coming.
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