Independent Political Poll

A public opinion poll on behalf of The Independent.

Date Published: 21 Oct 2010

Categories: Politics | Public and communities | Social | UK

Description

Overall, there is the perception that those on the lowest incomes will be worst hit by the spending cuts.  The Labour party comes off as still bearing the responsibility for the financial situation and a third of people think that the Lib Dems should leave the coalition.

The cuts announced by the Chancellor are unfair because they will hit the poorest people
Agree: 59%
Disagree: 36%
Don’t know: 6%

• There is an important trend by social group – 68% of people in social group DE agree compared to 50% of ABs.
• 65% of 18-24 year olds agree
• 80% of people who voted Labour in 2010 agree, compared to 34% of Conservative and 59% of Lib Dem voters

The better off will bear most of the burden of the buts
Agree: 30%
Disagree: 64%
Don’t know: 6%

• Surprisingly, people in social group DE are more likely to agree – 37%
• 42% of people aged 65 or over agree with this statement

The Liberal Democrats should not stay within the Coalition given the scale of the spending cuts
Agree: 36%
Disagree: 51%
Don’t know: 14%

• The younger age groups, who showed a surge of Lib Dem support during the election campaign, are most likely to agree.
• 27% of Conservative and 26% of Lib Dem voters in May agree with this statement

The last Labour Government bears most responsibility for the deficit in the public finances
Agree: 59%
Disagree: 36%
Don’t know: 5%

• A third of people who voted Labour at the last election agree (32%)
• 87% of people who voted Conservative and 56% of people who voted Lib Dem agree

Methodology Note: ComRes telephoned a random sample of 1003 GB adults on 21st October 2010.  Data were weighted to be demographically representative of all GB adults.  ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.