Public confidence in the Labour government’s handling of the cost of living has fallen to its lowest level on record, with a new poll showing overwhelming dissatisfaction as households continue to struggle with rising food and energy prices across the UK.
A YouGov survey published this week found that 85% of people believe the Labour government is handling the cost of living badly, while just 8% think it is doing a good job, producing a net score of minus 77, the lowest recorded since YouGov began tracking the issue in October 2022.
The poll highlights growing public frustration, with nearly two thirds of voters saying the rising cost of living is down to Labour’s failure to take strong action, while 44% reported struggling to pay food bills in the past three months and 37% said the same about energy bills.
Tackling the cost of living was identified as the single most important national priority by a majority of voters, with more than half placing it above all other issues facing the country, as financial pressure continues to intensify for households.
Almost half of respondents said their own household finances had worsened over the past year, compared with fewer than one in ten who reported any improvement, while looking ahead nearly half expect their financial situation to deteriorate further over the coming year.
The findings come against a backdrop of rising costs, with energy bills increasing for the fifth time under Labour on 1 January, pushing the energy price cap to £1758, £190 higher than when Labour entered government in July 2024, despite election pledges to reduce bills by £300.
At the same time, new figures from the British Retail Consortium show food prices continuing to climb, with food inflation rising to 3.3% in December and fresh food inflation reaching 3.8%, adding further strain to household budgets during the winter months.
Responding to the poll, SNP Economy spokesperson Dave Doogan said:
“Millions of families are paying the price for Labour Party failure on the soaring cost of living, with energy bills, food prices and inflation all going through the roof under Keir Starmer.
“Under the Labour Party, energy bills are £500 higher than promised, UK unemployment has risen to a five-year high, the UK economy has been downgraded, public finances have deteriorated, and families are struggling to get by as prices become unaffordable.
“Unlike Starmer, the SNP has prioritised the cost of living and is delivering the best support for families in the UK.
“SNP policies including ending peak rail fares, free tuition, free school meals and childcare, free personal care and prescriptions, the Scottish Child Payment and the Baby Box are putting thousands of pounds back in people’s pockets.
“Starmer has broken his promises and should go before he does any more damage.
“In May, voters in Scotland can sack Keir Starmer, prioritise the cost of living and secure a fresh start with independence by voting SNP at the Scottish elections.”
