Opinions divided over ‘back to work’ Budget

Public opinion is divided on last week's Budget – but more people are concerned than reassured, a poll has found.

Just 13% of people told pollster Ipsos they felt more reassured about their personal finances after last Wednesday's announcement - with 12% saying the same about the state of public services.

The poll of 1,000 people also found 22% saying the Budget left them more reassured about the state of the economy, but 35% said it had made them more concerned.

The reaction is more positive than after Jeremy Hunt's autumn statement in November, and many of the Chancellor's individual policies have been well received.

Extending the energy price guarantee until June was backed by 74% of people, while 70% supported maintaining the freeze in fuel duty and 59% said they were in favour of expanding free childcare provision.

But for Tory politicians with an eye on the next election, the poll has less positive news.

Labour still has a six-point lead on which party is most trusted to handle the economy and 61% of people said they were not confident that the Conservatives had a good long-term economic plan compared to 51% who say the same about Labour.

Gideon Skinner, head of political research at Ipsos, said: "Although people recognise that external factors are also to blame, many still hold the Conservatives responsible for at least some of our economic difficulties.

"Changing this will not just depend on people's immediate responses to the Budget, but on whether people sees any improvements in the economy and to public services over the next few months."