More Britons feel pessimistic than optimistic about Wednesday's Budget, according to a More in Common poll reported by the Independent on 26 October. It finds 55% feel pessimistic and 17% optimistic.
Two in three expect their taxes to rise, and 54% expect their quality of life to get worse. 51% say their finances have got worse this year, the same share as last year.
The poll finds fewer people now say public services are in a bad state. That share has fallen from 68% to 54%.
More in Common also asked about cutting benefits to fund defence. Among Labour's 2024 voters, 55% support the idea and 45% do not. It is opposed by 61% of people who are struggling or cannot afford the cost of living, and by 57% of Gen Z.
"The argument of cutting benefits for defence is popular with voters overall"
That was Luke Tryl, UK Director at More in Common, quoted by the Independent.
A separate City AM/Freshwater Strategy poll found 54% expect to be worse off after the Budget.