Initial Post-Budget Polling Positive for Hunt

With the dust beginning to settle on Jeremy Hunt's Spring Budget, the initial polling looks positive for the Chancellor. Savanta issued snap polling and found 49% of the public supported the budget overall - compared to just 20% opposing it. Support is highest amongst 2019 Conservative voters and those over 55.

The polling on individual policies will also be well received in the Treasury. The extension of energy support is the most popular policy - with 79% in support, followed by extending the fuel duty cut (71%), expanding childcare (69%) and equalising pre-payment meter bills with direct debits (also 69%). Even the decision to press ahead with corporation tax cuts, which has the lowest level of support at 44%, has more in favour than against (23%).

This bodes well for the Conservatives - especially considering much of the budget was targeted at the cost of living - which is the top priority of voters. Though, even with this, 67% say the budget didn't go far enough to deal with the problem.

What's more, although the initial reception was positive, this all comes before the detail of the implications have been appropriately scrutinised and the opposition is able to respond. The full implications on public opinion may only become apparent as the narrative develops in the coming days.