Election latest: Most people support NHS funding increase – even with tax rises, poll suggests | Politics News

New polling from Ipsos suggests 61% of people want NHS funding to increase – even if it means taxes have to go up.

Taxation rates have been a central plank of the election, with the Conservatives saying they will cut levies with taxes at their highest levels in decades.

They have also attacked Labour for not ruling out various tax rises.

According to Ipsos, some 61% of people backed NHS spending going up regardless of if this meant taxes going up – with 16% opposing it and 15% backing neither option.

The next highest policy area was education, with 44% backing a spending increase regardless of tax rises, 22% opposing and 24% backing neither option.

In total, 40% of people supported government spending in general going up even if it meant taxes rising – with 27% opposing and 24% backing neither option.

In total, 1,131 adults were asked for their views between 7 and 10 June for their survey.

Gideon Skinner, senior UK director of Politics at Ipsos, said: “Our research has shown the high levels of public concern over the state of public services, reflected in this polling suggesting some public appetite for increased spending, even if it means higher personal taxes. 

“This is particularly high among Labour and Lib Dem voters, and among older people – although younger generations are less keen on increasing their personal tax bill.

“No matter who ends up in Number 11 Downing Street on 5 July, there is also a clear majority for increasing spending on the NHS – an issue which consistently ranks among the top issues that Britons say matter to them the most. 

“With rising waiting lists and declining public satisfaction, party pledges on the NHS are likely to be a critical factor for many voters.”