Public want NHS at centre of ‘build back better’ plans

A survey from the Mile End Institute at Queen Mary University of London has found that more than half of the British public want the government to focus on the NHS as part of its ‘building back better’ pledge.

The survey shows that 51 per cent cited a better focus on the NHS as the most important priority, followed by unemployment (35 per cent) and mental health (28 per cent).

The Ipsos MORI poll found that 76 per cent of people supported more spending on health and social care compared with before the pandemic, followed by protecting the environment (56 per cent), policing and criminal justice (54 per cent), housing (52 per cent), and welfare, benefits and pensions (51 per cent).

The vaccination programme leads the way in terms of public satisfaction with government delivery of major programmes during the pandemic (71 per cent satisfied). The furlough scheme also has a positive result (60 per cent), while in other areas there was much greater dissatisfaction – for example, with the ‘Test and Trace’ programme (55 per cent dissatisfied).

The research also found that four-in-ten people said they were prepared to pay more in taxes to fund public services. In relation to schools and Britain’s young people, support for pupils’ mental health and wellbeing was the most popular policy priority (38 per cent).

Karl Pike, Lecturer in British Politics at Queen Mary and a Deputy Director of the Mile End Institute, said: "Our report shows that the public are thinking seriously about the effects of the pandemic, and how these effects should be addressed by politicians as part of the commitment to rebuilding.

"The public’s top three priorities – NHS, jobs and mental health – are all backed up by evidence and warnings from experts about the need for funding and new policy ideas. We also see a focus on mental health and well-being among the public’s priorities for young people – which topped the list when we asked specifically about schools.

"Following the elections last week, there will be a renewed focus on the different plans and policies our political parties have for the next few years. There are big decisions to be taken, not in the least on public spending. Our poll shows that, in general, the public want to see spending increases across a number of policy areas.

"The decision on whether to deliver such increases, and how to pay for them, is a big one for the prime minister and chancellor – particularly as the post-2010 approach of public spending cuts is now viewed negatively by 47 per cent of voters."