VOTERS want the wealthiest to be taxed more to protect public services, according to a new TUC poll published today. 

The union body survey found that nearly two thirds of Britons agree with increasing taxes for higher brackets to avoid cuts to public services.

Looking to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s Spending Review this Wednesday, the TUC called for tax rises for the wealthy and businesses. 

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “The spending review can be the next key step in the government’s plan to rebuild Britain and deliver industrial renewal. 

“Communities are still crying out for meaningful change after more than a decade of Tory austerity and neglect.  

“The global outlook is challenging, but leaving our decimated public services without sufficient investment would risk both future growth and public trust. 

“The message from voters is clear. They want the government to protect and rebuild our public services.”

The polling numbers rise even higher for 2024 Conservative to Labour switchers, with 71 per cent wanting tax rises, while for Labour voters now strongly considering voting for Reform UK, 61 per cent favoured a hike on the rich.

Previous TUC polling has shown that rebuilding public services is vital to restoring public trust in politics. 

The poll, of more than 2,000 adults, was conducted by pollster Hold Sway and shows widespread frustration at the existing tax regime of Britain’s wealthiest.

“People are fed up with a system where those with the broadest shoulders don’t pull their weight,” Mr Nowak said.

The union body is also calling for an independent review of the Office for Budget Responsibility and its assumptions underpinning the government’s fiscal rules.

The TUC claims this would give Labour greater flexibility to spend on vital services and infrastructure. 

“It’s time to review the role of the OBR and its fiscal assumptions to give the UK greater flexibility to invest in our future,” Mr Nowak added.