Government Performance Scorecard: How the Government Ranks on Key Issues

As the government navigates its term, public opinion remains divided across a range of critical policy areas. While there are pockets of approval, voters disapprove of the government’s performance on every issue, remaining skeptical about the administration’s ability to deliver on key issues. Below is a breakdown of how the government is performing in various policy areas, according to our latest polling.

#### The Economy

Approval Rating: 33% \| Disapproval Rating: 41%

Public perception of the government’s handling of the economy is split, with 33% approving of its performance while 41% disapprove. While a modest 13% strongly approve, a nearly equal 22% strongly disapprove, indicating deep dissatisfaction among a significant segment of voters. Older voters tend to be more supportive of the government’s economic policies but younger demographics and those struggling with cost-of-living issues remain largely critical. Despite some bold promises from Rachael Reeves, concerns about inflation, taxation and stagnant wages continue to weigh on public sentiment.

#### The NHS

Approval Rating: 33% \| Disapproval Rating: 37%

The NHS recently announced that waiting lists had dropped for the fourth month in a row but healthcare remains a major challenge for the government, with public confidence in its NHS policies at a low point. [\[1\]](/research/government-performance-scorecard-how-the-government-ranks-on-key-issues) While 33% approve of its performance, a larger 37% disapprove, and a concerning 16% strongly disapprove. The crisis in NHS waiting times, staff shortages and funding issues have left the government struggling to convince voters that it has a credible plan for healthcare. Notably, younger voters are especially critical, likely reflecting their frustration with access to GPs, mental health services and hospital treatment delays.

#### The Environment

Approval Rating: 29% \| Disapproval Rating: 33%

The government’s environmental policies receive lukewarm reviews, with a third (32%) neither approving nor disapproving, suggesting uncertainty or apathy about its direction. While 10% strongly approve, a greater share (15%) strongly disapprove, reflecting criticism from climate-conscious voters who believe more should be done on net-zero commitments and green energy investment. Conversely, some on the right feel the government is overreaching on environmental regulations.

#### Crime and Policing

Approval Rating: 27% \| Disapproval Rating: 37%

Public opinion on crime and policing is highly polarised. While 27% approve of the government’s efforts, 37% disapprove, including 18% who strongly disapprove. Crime rates, anti-social behavior and confidence in law enforcement have been recurring issues, with some voters supporting the government’s tough-on-crime rhetoric, especially after last August’s riots, while others criticise underfunding of policing services.

#### Housing

Approval Rating: 28% \| Disapproval Rating: 38%

Labour’s commitment to 1.5 million homes over the next five years and recent pledge to build 12 new towns hasn’t instilled voters with confidence and housing remains a glaring weakness for the government. [\[2\]](/research/government-performance-scorecard-how-the-government-ranks-on-key-issues) With homeownership becoming increasingly out of reach for younger generations and rental prices soaring, only 28% of the public approve of the government’s housing policies, while 38% disapprove. The lack of affordable housing and slow progress on construction targets continue to be major concerns, with critics arguing that the government is failing to address the needs of first-time buyers and renters alike.

#### Immigration

Approval Rating: 24% \| Disapproval Rating: 46%

Immigration remains one of the government’s most divisive issues, with 24% approving of its policies and 46% disapproving. Strong disapproval is particularly high (27%), reflecting dissatisfaction from both pro-immigration advocates who see the government as too harsh and right-wing voters who believe it has not gone far enough to control borders. The government’s policies on illegal migration and asylum seekers continue to fuel debate, with no clear consensus among the public.

#### Foreign Policy

Approval Rating: 26% \| Disapproval Rating: 35%

The government’s foreign policy receives a mixed response, with 26% approval but a larger 35% disapproval rate. A significant 31% of respondents neither approve nor disapprove, suggesting that foreign affairs are not a top priority for many voters. While some praise the government’s support for Ukraine and diplomatic engagements, others have sided with Donald Trump’s policy to stop the war in Ukraine and open up negotiations with Vladimir Putin.

#### Defense

Approval Rating: 27% \| Disapproval Rating: 32%

On defense, the government’s performance is met with cautious approval, with 27% supporting its stance while 32% disapprove. Investment in military capabilities and international security commitments have been areas of relative strength but concerns remain over budget constraints and personnel shortages.

#### Transport

Approval Rating: 27% \| Disapproval Rating: 31%

Public confidence in the government’s handling of transport is low, with only 27% approval and 31% disapproval. Rail strikes, rising ticket prices and infrastructure delays have contributed to a sense of frustration, particularly among commuters. With the railway industry set to be nationalised in May, it’ll be interesting to see if this can reinstill voter confidence.

#### Education

Approval Rating: 30% \| Disapproval Rating: 31%

Education policy is another area of concern for the government, with a near-equal split between approval (30%) and disapproval (31%). Rising tuition fees, teacher shortages and unequal access to high-quality education have dented public confidence. While some voters approve of policies focused on skills and apprenticeships, others criticise cuts to school funding and university sector instability.

The government’s overall performance receives a mixed-to-negative assessment across most policy areas. While approval ratings hover around 30% for many issues, disapproval often surpasses approval, particularly on healthcare, housing, crime, and immigration. The economy and education remain contested issues, with no decisive public confidence in the government’s direction. For now, the message from the public is clear: the government has much work to do to convince voters that it is capable of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges.

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[\[1\]](/research/government-performance-scorecard-how-the-government-ranks-on-key-issues) NHS England

[\[2\]](/research/government-performance-scorecard-how-the-government-ranks-on-key-issues) BBC News

Download the data tables for this poll.