Political Poll for The Independent

Independent Political Poll

Date Published: 27 Feb 2012

Categories: Economy | Politics | Public and communities | UK

Description

A majority of people want George Osborne to raise taxes for the rich in next month’s Budget in order to take more low paid workers out of tax, according to a ComRes survey for The Independent.

Some 60 per cent of the public support the Liberal Democrats’ flagship policy and key Budget demand while 34 per cent disagree.

The poll shows Labour has extended its lead from one point to three points since the last ComRes survey for The Independent a month ago. Labour is now on 40 per cent (up two points), the Conservatives on 37 per cent (unchanged), the Liberal Democrats on 13 per cent (down one point) and other parties on 10 per cent (down one point).

The poll also suggests public support for demands by Tory MPs for any Budget tax cuts to be aimed at business rather than individuals in order to get the economy moving. Some 58 per cent of people back this approach while 32 per cent disagree.

There is public scepticism about Labour’s call for tax cuts even if that means higher than planned borrowing in the short term. By a margin of 59 to 31 per cent, people believe the Chancellor should use any spare money to reduce the government deficit rather than spend it on tax cuts.

According to ComRes, voters back Mr Osborne’s plans to end child benefit to families with at least one higher rate taxpayer from next January.  It is supported by 61 per cent of people and opposed by 33 per cent.

ComRes interviewed 1001 GB adults by telephone between 24^th and 26^th February 2012.  Data were weighted to be demographically representative of all GB adults and by past vote recall.