Two-thirds of Britons believe that the economy is facing a tough year in 2011 due to the implementation of strict government austerity measures aimed at cutting the record budget deficit, according to the results of a public opinion poll released on Monday.
The survey conducted by the market research and public opinion polling company Populus showed that two-thirds of Britons expect to have less money to spend in the coming year, while a significant number of respondents, as many as 38 percent, anticipate that they will not be able to pay all their bills on time. The results of this survey published in The Times indicate that Britons fear a difficult year ahead due to the extensive austerity plans of the new British government. The government formed after the elections in May of this year announced in October sharp measures to reduce spending aimed at cutting the UK’s record deficit of £154.7 billion (€182 billion).
The announced measures include, among other things, the laying off of nearly half a million public sector employees over four years, with most government departments expecting an average reduction in spending of 19 percent. The survey further warns of a significant possibility of protests. Indeed, one in five respondents stated that they do not rule out the possibility of participating in demonstrations against the government’s austerity plan. The survey was conducted from December 17 to 19 and included 1,003 individuals over the age of 18. (H)
