The UK Economy: Widespread Pessimism and Deep Distrust Define the Mood

The latest polling highlights a deepening sense of economic despair and disillusionment across the United Kingdom. Despite government rhetoric about recovery and growth, the data makes clear that most voters remain pessimistic, grappling with personal financial hardship and increasingly distrustful of political leaders’ promises. While there are tentative signs of improved sentiment, particularly among younger voters, widespread skepticism persists, especially among older demographics and Reform UK supporters, who feel left behind by mainstream parties. The rising cost of living, stagnant wages and uncertainty about future prospects continue to weigh heavily on public mood, raising urgent questions about the country’s economic trajectory and political stability.

National Mood: Optimism Drops, Pessimism Persists

Just 11% of respondents say they are “very optimistic” about the UK’s general direction, unchanged from the last poll, while a further 19% are “optimistic.” Combined, only 30% express a positive outlook.

In stark contrast, 42% are either “pessimistic” (21%) or “very pessimistic” (21%), which is a similar result to last time (41%). Among the most downbeat are older voters, as only 9% of 55-64 year olds are optimistic/very optimistic and Reform UK supporters (15%), highlighting a demographic particularly disillusioned with the current state of affairs. Meanwhile, younger voters (18–24) are slightly more optimistic (32% optimistic/very optimistic).

This persistent gloom indicates that the government claims to “kickstart economic growth” have yet to resonate with the broader public. [\[1\]](/research/the-uk-economy-widespread-pessimism-and-deep-distrust-define-the-mood)

Personal Finances: Most Say Things Are Getting Worse

When it comes to their own wallets, the story is no more reassuring. 44% of respondents say their financial situation has worsened over the past three months, down slightly from 45% in the last poll but still a strikingly high figure. Just 20% report improvement and 36% say things have stayed the same.

Notably, financial deterioration is highest among those aged 55–64 (62% worsened), a crucial demographic traditionally seen as economically stable. Reform UK supporters (57% say worsened) and non-voters also report higher-than-average hardship, reflecting growing frustration among both right-leaning and disengaged groups.

Meanwhile, younger voters (25-34) show slightly better figures (30% improved), perhaps linked to a higher level of mobility and life changes, such as new jobs or moving homes.

Outlook for the Next Three Months: Voters More Optimistic but Expect Further Decline

Looking ahead, the mood remains cautious at best. Only 25% believe their financial situation will improve in the next three months with optimism highest among younger voters (41% of 25–34s). 37% of voters expect their finances to worsen and 31% predict no change. However, these figures are a minor improvement from last month’s poll where only 23% believed their financial situation would improve and 42% said their situation would worsen, which suggests that voters may be starting to believe in Labour’s economic plans.

Government Handling of the Cost-of-Living Crisis: Failing to Convince

Despite a slight improvement in voter economic optimism, a decisive 60% of respondents believe the current government is not taking the right measures to address the cost-of-living crisis, up slightly from 59% in the last wave. Only 24% say the government’s approach is correct, revealing a deep trust deficit even as ministers insist that the UK is on the right path.

Diving deeper, dissatisfaction is highest among Reform (85% no) and Green (76% no) supporters, while even the majority of Labour supporters (52%) believe their party is failing, a concerning sign for Keir Starmer.

Alternative Governments: Reform Rises as Conservatives Slip

When asked if a Conservative-led government would be doing a better job with handling the cost-of-living crisis, 32% say yes (up 1%), while 48% say no and 20% don’t know. Only the Tory base have faith that Kemi Badenoch would be handling the crisis better (61%)  which highlights the party’s struggle to restore its image as an economically safe pair of hands for the rest of the electorate.

Reform UK, by contrast, continues to carve out a stronger niche. 40% believe a Reform-led government would handle the cost-of-living crisis better, up from 34% last wave. While 39% say no and 21% are unsure, this upward trend is significant, signaling that Reform’s economic messaging, particularly on issues like tax cuts and immigration controls, is gaining traction.

Taken together, the data paints a troubling picture for the government as most voters remain pessimistic about the country’s direction and their own financial outlook, with only modest improvements since the last poll. Trust in Labour and the Conservatives to manage the economy remains low, while Reform UK is increasingly viewed as a credible alternative, particularly on cost-of-living issues. The party’s steady gains suggest that economic frustration is fuelling its rise, reshaping the competitive landscape. For the mainstream parties, these figures are a reminder that unless they can offer believable solutions to ease financial pressures, they risk conceding more support to Reform UK.

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[\[1\]](/research/the-uk-economy-widespread-pessimism-and-deep-distrust-define-the-mood) Labour Party

Download the data tables for this poll.