{"id":960828,"date":"2025-11-12T14:09:21","date_gmt":"2025-11-12T14:09:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/?p=960828"},"modified":"2025-11-12T14:09:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T14:09:21","slug":"majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/","title":{"rendered":"Majority of Britons Believe the UK Is \u2018Heading in the Wrong Direction\u2019 Ahead of Budget Announcement"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#_What_the_polling_shows\" title=\"\u00a0What the polling shows\">\u00a0What the polling shows<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#_Whats_driving_the_pessimism\" title=\"\u00a0What\u2019s driving the pessimism\">\u00a0What\u2019s driving the pessimism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#_Implications_of_this_sentiment\" title=\"\u00a0Implications of this sentiment\">\u00a0Implications of this sentiment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#_What_to_watch_for_in_the_Budget\" title=\"\u00a0What to watch for in the Budget\">\u00a0What to watch for in the Budget<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#_Summary\" title=\"\u00a0Summary\">\u00a0Summary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#_Case_Studies\" title=\"\u00a0Case Studies\">\u00a0Case Studies<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#Case_Study_1_Household_behaviour_consumer_sentiment\" title=\"Case Study 1: Household behaviour &amp; consumer sentiment\">Case Study 1: Household behaviour &amp; consumer sentiment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#Case_Study_2_Polling_political_expectations\" title=\"Case Study 2: Polling &amp; political expectations\">Case Study 2: Polling &amp; political expectations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#Case_Study_3_Fiscal_policy_trust_tax_credibility\" title=\"Case Study 3: Fiscal policy trust &amp; tax credibility\">Case Study 3: Fiscal policy trust &amp; tax credibility<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#_Commentary_Insights\" title=\"\u00a0Commentary &amp; Insights\">\u00a0Commentary &amp; Insights<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#_Implications_for_the_Autumn_2025_Budget\" title=\"\u00a0Implications for the Autumn 2025 Budget\">\u00a0Implications for the Autumn 2025 Budget<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/#_Summary-2\" title=\"\u00a0Summary\">\u00a0Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_What_the_polling_shows\"><\/span>\u00a0What the polling shows<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>A recent survey by Freshwater Strategy for City A.M. found that <strong>76 %<\/strong> of UK voters believe the country is heading in the wrong direction. Only <strong>19 %<\/strong> say it is headed in the right direction. (<a title=\"Brits think UK is 'heading in wrong direction' as Budget looms\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityam.com\/three-quarters-of-brits-think-uk-is-heading-in-wrong-direction\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">City AM<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>59 % of respondents said they expected the UK economy to deteriorate over the coming period \u2014 up from earlier polling. (<a title=\"Brits think UK is 'heading in wrong direction' as Budget looms\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityam.com\/three-quarters-of-brits-think-uk-is-heading-in-wrong-direction\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">City AM<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>More than half (53 %) believe their household\u2019s living standards will get worse in the next year, while only ~20 % expect them to improve. (<a title=\"Brits think UK is 'heading in wrong direction' as Budget looms\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityam.com\/three-quarters-of-brits-think-uk-is-heading-in-wrong-direction\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">City AM<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>In past polling by Ipsos MORI, 75 % of Britons expected the economy to get worse over the next year \u2014 the lowest confidence level since records began (1978) for that series. (<a title=\"Britons' confidence in economy falls to lowest since at least 1978, Ipsos MORI poll shows\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/uk\/britons-confidence-economy-falls-lowest-since-least-1978-ipsos-mori-poll-shows-2025-04-27\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reuters<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Whats_driving_the_pessimism\"><\/span>\u00a0What\u2019s driving the pessimism<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Several factors are contributing to the bleak public mood:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Cost of living pressure and inflation<\/strong>: Many households feel squeezed, with rising prices, interest rates, and wage growth not keeping pace. The City AM poll links the wrong-direction sentiment to higher borrowing costs, inflation and concern over tax rises. (<a title=\"Brits think UK is 'heading in wrong direction' as Budget looms\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityam.com\/three-quarters-of-brits-think-uk-is-heading-in-wrong-direction\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">City AM<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Economic outlook<\/strong>: With 59 % expecting the economy to worsen, people are less confident about jobs, growth and stability. (<a title=\"Brits think UK is 'heading in wrong direction' as Budget looms\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cityam.com\/three-quarters-of-brits-think-uk-is-heading-in-wrong-direction\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">City AM<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Budgetary and fiscal concerns<\/strong>: Ahead of the Autumn Budget, there is anxiety about tax increases, spending cuts and a large fiscal gap. For example, commentary in the Financial Times points to a \u201cgaping hole\u201d in the public finances that may shape the Budget. (<a title=\"Brexit blame game returns ahead of Budget\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ft.com\/content\/3806bd37-c310-4414-80e8-c35352424b83?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Financial Times<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Broader mood of national direction<\/strong>: Beyond economics alone, there is a perception of \u201cthe country\u201d being off-course \u2014 polls suggest not just the economy but services, governance and opportunities are under pressure. (<a title=\"Brand Britain has bounced back\" href=\"https:\/\/www.economist.com\/britain\/2025\/11\/06\/brand-britain-has-bounced-back?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The Economist<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Implications_of_this_sentiment\"><\/span>\u00a0Implications of this sentiment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>For the government and Chancellor<\/strong>: The strong public pessimism raises the political stakes for the Autumn Budget. With so many people believing things are going in the wrong direction, the Chancellor (Rachel Reeves) will face pressure to deliver visible improvement or at least credible hope of improvement, rather than simply more pain.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Policy expectations<\/strong>: The mood may shape the type of measures people will accept \u2014 e.g., tax rises may be more resisted unless paired with relief or clear benefits, spending cuts may be criticised unless targeted and well-explained.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Market\/financial effects<\/strong>: Business and investor confidence may be affected by weak consumer sentiment. If households hold back spending due to pessimism, that may dampen growth and complicate fiscal\/stimulus planning.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Electoral ramifications<\/strong>: A widespread belief that the country is \u201coff-course\u201d potentially increases volatility in voting behaviour and raises the risk of political backlash if people feel insufficient progress is made.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_What_to_watch_for_in_the_Budget\"><\/span>\u00a0What to watch for in the Budget<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Given the negative mood and the upcoming Autumn Budget, here are some key things to monitor:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Whether the Budget includes <strong>measures aimed directly at boosting household confidence<\/strong> (e.g., cost-of-living relief, targeted tax cuts, support for living standards) rather than just revenue\/borrowing management.<\/li>\n<li>The narrative\/focus: Will the government prioritise <strong>growth and optimism<\/strong> (to counter the mood) or emphasise austerity\/fiscal discipline (which may reinforce the pessimism)?<\/li>\n<li>How the government addresses <strong>services, jobs and growth<\/strong>, not just macro indicators. Public mood suggests people are concerned about more than just numbers.<\/li>\n<li>How the Chancellor uses the Budget to signal a shift in direction \u2014 not only through policies, but through communication and framing of \u201cwhere we\u2019re heading\u201d for the country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Summary\"><\/span>\u00a0Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In short: The vast majority of Britons believe the UK is heading in the wrong direction, especially ahead of the Autumn Budget. This reflects deep concerns about the economy, living standards and national trajectory. The upcoming Budget therefore comes at a moment of heightened public and political risk \u2014 delivering reassurance, credible improvement or at least a credible plan will be critical for the government.<\/p>\n<p>Here are several <strong>case-studies<\/strong> and <strong>commentary highlights<\/strong> that help frame how the prevailing public mood in the UK \u2014 that the country is perceived as \u201cheading in the wrong direction\u201d \u2014 is influencing and being influenced by the upcoming Autumn 2025 Budget.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Case_Studies\"><\/span>\u00a0Case Studies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Study_1_Household_behaviour_consumer_sentiment\"><\/span>Case Study 1: Household behaviour &amp; consumer sentiment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A survey by KPMG of 3,000 UK consumers found that before the spring Budget, <strong>58 %<\/strong> said Britain\u2019s economy had worsened over the prior three months. (<a title=\"Britons cutting back on spending as confidence in economy falls, survey shows\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/business\/2025\/mar\/25\/britons-cutting-back-spending-confidence-economy-falls?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The Guardian<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Notably: <strong>43 %<\/strong> of respondents said they were reducing everyday spending, and <strong>29 %<\/strong> were deferring major purchases. (<a title=\"Britons cutting back on spending as confidence in economy falls, survey shows\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/business\/2025\/mar\/25\/britons-cutting-back-spending-confidence-economy-falls?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The Guardian<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>This suggests that the sentiment of \u201cwrong direction\u201d isn\u2019t just abstract \u2014 it\u2019s translating into behaviour that may impact the economy (lower consumption) and thereby reinforce negative fiscal-feedback loops ahead of the Budget.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Study_2_Polling_political_expectations\"><\/span>Case Study 2: Polling &amp; political expectations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>According to a poll by Ipsos MORI, about <strong>75 %<\/strong> of Britons expect the economy to worsen in the next 12 months \u2014 the worst reading since the series began in 1978. (<a title=\"Britons' confidence in economy falls to lowest since at least 1978, Ipsos MORI poll shows\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reuters.com\/world\/uk\/britons-confidence-economy-falls-lowest-since-least-1978-ipsos-mori-poll-shows-2025-04-27\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reuters<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Meanwhile, other polling (from Kantar Public \/ Verian) shows <strong>59 %<\/strong> of Britons say the UK is heading in the wrong direction (February 2023). (<a title=\"Almost six in ten Britons think the country is heading ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.veriangroup.com\/en-gb\/news-and-insights\/uk-polling-february-2023?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">veriangroup.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>These results indicate the public not only feels the country is off-course, but also lacks faith that things will improve materially \u2014 a critical backdrop for a budget expected to offer hope, direction or relief.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Case_Study_3_Fiscal_policy_trust_tax_credibility\"><\/span>Case Study 3: Fiscal policy trust &amp; tax credibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>A poll from Demos (reported by The Independent) found that <em>only one in five<\/em> voters approves of reported plans by Rachel Reeves (Chancellor-designate) to break the manifesto pledge of not raising income tax. (<a title=\"Just one in five voters approve of Reeves breaking ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/uk\/politics\/tax-rises-budget-rachel-reeves-polling-b2860737.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The Independent<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Commentary explains: the public is willing to pay more tax <strong>only if<\/strong> it\u2019s clearly linked to real improvement in services, living standards and if the government provides a credible vision of how it will be spent. (<a title=\"Just one in five voters approve of Reeves breaking ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/uk\/politics\/tax-rises-budget-rachel-reeves-polling-b2860737.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The Independent<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>This bears directly on the \u201cwrong direction\u201d sentiment: people don\u2019t believe that promises will translate into outcomes, or that the current direction will reverse without clear change.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Commentary_Insights\"><\/span>\u00a0Commentary &amp; Insights<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>According to Bloomberg, the CEO of Marks &amp; Spencer recently commented that \u201cpeople are very worried about tax rises and they think things are heading in the wrong direction.\u201d (<a title=\"Consumers Think UK Is 'Heading in Wrong Direction,' M&amp;S ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/news\/articles\/2025-11-05\/consumers-think-uk-is-heading-in-wrong-direction-m-s-ceo-says?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Bloomberg<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Commentary from polling firms:<br \/>\n<blockquote><p>\u201cThese numbers show the difficult political environment \u2026 With two in three Britons thinking things are heading in the wrong direction \u2026 the next occupant of Number 10 will need to hit the ground running to reassure the public.\u201d \u2014 from Kantar commentary. (<a title=\"2 in 3 Britons say things in Great Britain are heading in the ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ipsos.com\/en-uk\/2-3-britons-say-things-great-britain-are-heading-wrong-direction?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Ipsos<\/a>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<li>Regarding the Budget: the Demos \/ Independent piece emphasises that the government must provide <strong>vision and conviction<\/strong>, not just numbers. The public\u2019s mood of pessimism calls for a strong narrative, not just technical fixes. (<a title=\"Just one in five voters approve of Reeves breaking ...\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/uk\/politics\/tax-rises-budget-rachel-reeves-polling-b2860737.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The Independent<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Implications_for_the_Autumn_2025_Budget\"><\/span>\u00a0Implications for the Autumn 2025 Budget<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Messaging-first<\/strong>: The government must first address the narrative of \u201cwrong direction\u201d \u2014 i.e., demonstrate credible change, clarity of direction and that the Budget will alter the trajectory, not simply continue existing policy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Target relief or investment<\/strong>: Given consumer behaviour shows households cutting back, measures that signal relief (cost-of-living support, public services investment) may have outsized impact beyond their size, by restoring confidence.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Transparency and tax credibility<\/strong>: Because trust is low on tax rises, any proposed increases must be justified clearly, linked to outcomes, and ideally targeted (rather than blunt) to avoid reinforcing the \u201cwe\u2019re off-course\u201d view.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Risk of backlash<\/strong>: If the Budget is perceived as insufficient or as continuing status-quo trajectory, the large segment of the public holding a negative view may express that in political behaviour (voting, protest, reduced consumer spending).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Summary-2\"><\/span>\u00a0Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In sum: The prevailing mood in Britain ahead of the Budget is one of pessimism and scepticism \u2014 a majority believe the UK is heading in the wrong direction, and many believe economic prospects are weak. The case-studies show this is affecting behaviour and expectation. For the government, the task is not just fiscal management but restoring confidence and altering the narrative of direction.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; \u00a0What the polling shows A recent survey by Freshwater Strategy for City A.M. found that 76 % of UK voters believe the country is&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-960828","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-gb-news","category-uk-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Majority of Britons Believe the UK Is \u2018Heading in the Wrong Direction\u2019 Ahead of Budget Announcement - UK News &amp; Updates<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/majority-of-britons-believe-the-uk-is-heading-in-the-wrong-direction-ahead-of-budget-announcement\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Majority of Britons Believe the UK Is \u2018Heading in the Wrong Direction\u2019 Ahead of Budget Announcement - UK News &amp; 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