New polling data paints a stark picture of a pessimistic Britain, where a overwhelming majority feel the country is headed in the wrong direction and that hard work is no longer fairly rewarded.
A Nation Losing Confidence
According to exclusive monthly polling conducted by City AM since January, the British public is growing increasingly downbeat about the state of the nation. The data reveals a consistent and worrying trend of declining optimism.
Unemployment has risen every month for an entire year, contributing to a national mood that lacks a spring in its step. The numbers tell a clear story: just under half of Brits report that their living standards have worsened over the last 12 months. A mere 14 per cent have seen any improvement.
The Crushing Weight of Gloom
Looking ahead, the outlook is even bleaker. Almost 60 per cent of respondents expect the UK to worsen over the coming year. This sentiment is crystallised in one striking statistic: 76 per cent of Brits believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, a figure that has risen consistently every month since May.
Perhaps the most damaging finding for the nation's ethos is the erosion of belief in core principles. Only 29 per cent of people agree that Britain is a country of aspiration where people are encouraged to aim high. More devastating still, just a quarter of the population—only 25 per cent—agree that Britain is a country that rewards hard work.
An Unsustainable Situation
This pervasive sense of gloom is compounded by the fear of impending tax rises. There is a growing concern that the Chancellor's upcoming Budget will further squeeze business owners, workers, and higher earners.
For many, from those on low incomes struggling with the cost of living to higher earners facing complex tax traps, there is a powerful feeling that the juice isn't worth the squeeze. The prevailing sentiment is that the UK offers higher taxes and fewer rewards for risk and effort, creating what commentators describe as an unsustainable situation for the country's future prosperity.
