Latest election: Most people support increasing funding for the NHS – even with tax rises, poll suggests

A new poll from Ipsos shows that 61% of people want more funding for the NHS – even if it means raising taxes.

The main issue of the election was tax rates, with the Conservatives announcing they would cut taxes, reaching the highest level in decades.

They also attacked Labor for not ruling out various tax increases.

According to Ipsos, around 61% of people supported increasing NHS spending, regardless of whether it meant a tax increase – 16% were opposed and 15% supported neither option.

The next most important policy area was education, with 44% supporting increased spending regardless of tax increases, 22% opposed and 24% supporting neither option.

Overall, 40% of respondents supported an overall increase in government spending, even if it meant tax increases – with 27% opposed and 24% supporting neither option.

A total of 1,131 adults were asked their opinion in the survey between June 7 and 10.

Gideon Skinner, senior director of UK policy at Ipsos, said: “Our research has shown high levels of public concern about the state of public services, reflected in this survey, which suggests some public appetite for increased spending, even if it means higher personal taxes.

“This percentage is particularly high among Labor and Libyan Democrat voters and among older people – although younger generations are less likely to increase their personal taxes.

“No matter who is in No. 11 Downing Street on July 5, there is also a clear majority in favor of more spending on the NHS – an issue that consistently ranks among the most important issues that Britons say are most important to them.

“With growing waiting lists and falling public satisfaction, the party’s commitments to the NHS are likely to be a critical factor for many voters.”