Tax Policy Polling 2026
Public opinion on wealth taxes, National Insurance, council tax and corporation tax. A complex picture where populist pressures come from left and right.
Higher Taxes on the Wealthiest 5%
72% supportPolling question: “Do you support raising income tax or wealth taxes specifically on the top 5% of earners to fund public services?” Source: YouGov, April 2026 (n=1,823).
National Insurance Rise (Employer NI)
41% support, 43% opposePolling question: “The government raised employer National Insurance contributions in the October 2024 Budget. Do you support or oppose this?” Source: Ipsos, February 2026.
The employer NI rise from 13.8% to 15% (announced October 2024 Budget) was the centrepiece of Labour’s first fiscal event. Business groups warned of job losses. Polls show near-even split, with opposition stronger among Conservative and Reform UK voters.
Council Tax Reform
58% want changePolling question: “Do you think council tax, which is based on 1991 property values, should be reformed?” Source: YouGov, March 2026.
Inheritance Tax Reform
44% support changes, 39% opposePolling question: “Do you support or oppose changes to inheritance tax that would raise more from large estates, including pension funds and farms?” Source: Ipsos, March 2026.
Corporation Tax Level
39% think current rate too lowPolling question: “The UK corporation tax rate is currently 25%. Do you think this is too low, about right, or too high?” Source: Survation, April 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK voters support higher taxes on the wealthy?
Yes, strongly. 72% of UK voters support raising income or wealth taxes specifically on the top 5% of earners to fund public services, according to YouGov polling from April 2026. This is consistent with long-running polling showing broad support for progressive taxation. See the economy issue tracker for related data.
Do voters support the employer National Insurance rise?
Opinion is nearly evenly split: 41% support the employer NI rise from 13.8% to 15% announced in the October 2024 Budget, while 43% oppose it. The measure has been controversial due to business warnings about job creation, and has contributed to Labour’s declining polling since the Budget.
What do voters think about council tax reform?
58% of UK voters think council tax should be reformed, compared to only 21% who want to keep the current system based on 1991 property values. Despite this majority, reform has been politically toxic for governments due to the risk of higher bills for homeowners in high-value areas.