Spending review snap voter reaction shows bold ambition is popular with the public 

“It will improve my standard of living if it actually all happens. I don’t believe any of their promises but I hope I’m proved wrong and they happen.”

These words from a current Reform supporter sum up much of the public response to the Chancellor’s spending review. It underlines a fundamental point for this Labour government: trust is low, expectations are high, and the public’s demand that they deliver on the cost of living is non-negotiable. Labour will deliver for these voters, or they will lose at the next election.

That comment is just one of hundreds of comments from members of the public giving their instant reaction, as part of a rapid response voter panel conducted by JL Partners for 38 Degrees, the non-partisan, people-powered campaign group I lead. 

These reactions are from people who voted for all parties and none at last July’s General Election. Many now say they would vote differently at a general election tomorrow. From the research, one thing is clear: big ambitious plans on issues that matter to people not only move our country towards being a fairer place — they’re also popular with voters. 

The voters JL Partners spoke to on our behalf were quick to welcome the difference that the biggest cash injection into social and affordable housing in 50 years would make. When asked about how the plans overall made them feel about their standard of living, many said they would improve things, and cited NHS improvements and the cap to bus fare as tangible examples. Notably though, many felt it would make ‘a small difference’ or was simply a ‘good start’ – underlining just how badly off the last government left the country feeling after 14 years in office. There is still a huge distance Labour still has to go if they want to ensure that measures to improve living standards hit the level of ambition voters have. 

A general consensus across all participants was that the Chancellor’s decisions moves the country in a fairer direction. Voters however, need reassurance on two levels: firstly, that these plans will come to fruition, and secondly, that they’ll be funded fairly. In the words of one voter: “They have some kind of plan to help the economy. However, I am not yet convinced that they have a credible plan to fund all the good things they propose to do.”

Provide this reassurance and the rewards for the Government could be great. One only needs to look at the response to the record NHS funding announced: Reform voter after Reform voter in our research passionately welcomed the move, labelling it ‘great’, ‘a long time coming”, saying “the NHS needs this and more” and “the NHS deserves a pay rise”. 

Aside from their ability to deliver, the big outstanding question is, who will pay for these desperately needed plans. Since the election, the one million strong 38 Degrees community has been pushing for the Government to go further and faster to bring the change voters at the General Election were crying out for. The Government could both bring this change and answer questions around funding with another bold step — like introducing a wealth tax on the ultra-rich, so that those who can most afford it pay for the transformation so many want to see. There is support for the tax changes needed to save the NHS and help with the cost of living, but voters need to see those with the broadest shoulders carrying the heaviest weight.

This spending review will give hope to those who want a bolder government, more focused on delivering for voters through investing in the NHS, tackling the housing crisis and providing practical support for people struggling with the cost of living. After a first year in office that left many disappointed, there are now clear signs of progress. But the question will remain, is this short-term political management to paper over the cracks, or is it a shift in the government’s approach, having listened to voters? If it is the latter, then voters will be right to be hopeful. If it is the former, then the problems will simply stack up and voters will just get angrier. 

Ultimately, voters will judge Rachel Reeves and the Government on what matters: their personal experience. The money in their pocket. Whether they can access their GP. If they or their loved ones can afford to get on the housing ladder. With these plans laid out, now is the time for the Government to pick up the pace of delivering change – and showing voters the way this change is taking effect in their own lives.