Labour’s Cost-of-Living Focus Resonates with Voters Amid Tax Hike Concerns

A recent YouGov survey conducted for the campaign organization Stop the Squeeze has revealed that voters are significantly more apprehensive about the ongoing cost-of-living crisis than potential tax increases, providing some reassurance to the Labour Party amidst Tory warnings on tax policies.

The survey, exclusively disclosed to LabourList, indicated that 43% of respondents expressed greater concerns about the cost of living compared to just 16% who were more troubled by potential tax hikes. However, 36% of participants cited worries about both issues.

Notably, Labour appeared to have a stronger presence in discussions around addressing the cost of living challenges, with 44% of respondents acknowledging Labour’s focus in this area, as opposed to 30% for the Conservatives. Despite this, 43% stated that they had not heard either party elaborating on their plans in this regard.

The survey identified the cost of living as one of the top priorities for voters, alongside the National Health Service (NHS), with 53% of participants highlighting these issues. On the other hand, only 12% of respondents prioritized discussions around tax.

Megan Davies from the Stop the Squeeze campaign emphasized that families grappling with meeting basic needs like food and energy bills were urgently seeking measures to improve their living standards and ensure future security.

Labour’s manifesto has outlined initiatives aimed at addressing rising costs, with Keir Starmer recently assuring voters that they would feel financially better off at the end of the Labour government’s initial term.

In its campaign, Labour has emphasized its New Deal reforms to enhance workers’ rights, proposals for a National Wealth Fund anticipated to generate numerous job opportunities, a drive for home insulation, and commitments to bolster affordable and social housing significantly.

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party has persistently raised concerns about Labour potentially raising taxes to bridge an alleged £2,000 spending gap. Labour has refuted these claims, pointing out that the Conservatives have already implemented tax increases to some of the highest levels in decades.