Two-thirds of voters in the West Midlands think government “hasn’t done enough” to help with rising cost of living - TUC poll reveals

Two-thirds (65 per cent) of those who voted in Thursday’s local elections in the West Midlands 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 (Monday 9 May).

The poll - carried out by Opinium as voters in the region went to polling stations on local elections day - reveals that fewer than 3 in 10 (28 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.

Two-thirds (67 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 Midlands Regional Secretary Lee Barron said:

“Soaring bills and prices are hammering family budgets here in West Midlands.

“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.”