On Funding, 52% Backed Tax Rises for the Current Welfare Bill, While 70% Said Only High Earners Should Pay More

Labour members hold a tougher stance on welfare than expected, new polling suggests, with 47% saying the government spends too much on benefits. The ThinkLabour survey of 788 members, conducted from late June to late July, ranked health (43%), the economy (42%), cost of living (39%), and climate change (29%) as Britain's top issues, far ahead of welfare (7%) and immigration (6%). On funding, 52% backed tax rises for the current welfare bill, while 70% said only high earners should pay more.

Members overwhelmingly supported increased social care spending (73%) and defence spending (68%), with most favouring higher taxes on the wealthy to cover costs. Three-quarters backed Keir Starmer in the 2020 leadership race, though a pre-election poll gave Andy Burnham a 72% net favourability rating. The findings, shared with Downing Street strategists, come from ThinkLabour, whose former CEO now serves as the prime minister's deputy chief of staff.

Interim political strategy director Christabel Cooper said: Labour members have a tougher view on welfare than you might think. That’s why it’s important to understand what members actually say rather than just rely on assumptions about what they might think.