Fewer than 2 in 10 think ministers are doing enough to help people with the cost-of-living
Cost of living crisis is top concern for voters, poll shows
The public have sent “a clear distress call”, warns union body
TUC renews call for Emergency Budget
Three-quarters (76 per cent) of those who voted in Thursday’s local elections in the South East think the government “has not done enough” to help with the rising cost of living - according to a new poll published by the TUC today (Friday).
The poll - carried out by Opinium as voters in the region went to polling stations on local elections day - reveals that fewer than 2 in 10 (17 per cent) think ministers have done enough to help people with rising living costs.
The poll also reveals that Britain’s cost of living crisis tops the lists of voters’ concerns in the region.
Three-quarters (76 per cent) of people say the cost of living is the most important issue facing the country.
Emergency Budget
The TUC says the government’s response to soaring bills and prices has thus far been “woefully inadequate”.
The union body is calling on the Chancellor to urgently come back to parliament with an Emergency Budget to help struggling families.
The TUC says ministers should:
Impose a windfall tax on oil and gas profits to fund energy grants
Boost the minimum wage, pensions and Universal Credit
Work with unions and employers to get pay rising across the economy
Commenting on the poll, TUC Regional Secretary Sam Gurney said:
“Soaring bills and prices are hammering family budgets here in the South East.
“Voters have sent out a clear distress call.
“They want the government to do more to help families get through this cost of living emergency.
“The Chancellor must come back to parliament with an Emergency Budget, to help with energy bills and raise the minimum wage and Universal Credit.
“The longer ministers delay the more damage will be done.”
Commenting on the poll, Chris Curtis – head of political polling at Opinium – said:
“One thing from this election is already clear.
“The issue at the top of voters' minds as they cast their ballots was the cost of living crisis, and hardly anyone thinks the government is doing enough to tackle it.”
Opinium carried out a poll of 2,500 GB adults on Thursday 5 May. The sample was weighted to be nationally representative.
- About the TUC: The Trades Union Congress (TUC) exists to make the working world a better place for everyone. We bring together the 5.5 million working people who make up our 48 member unions. We support unions to grow and thrive, and we stand up for everyone who works for a living.
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