Public backs bold government action to improve health, research shows
A new survey has revealed that the majority of people in the UK do not perceive strong public health policies as examples of “nanny-statism”, challenging long-held political assumptions that bold action on health is unpopular.
The research, carried out by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) in collaboration with polling firm Public First, surveyed 2,010 UK adults. It found that the public is overwhelmingly in favour of decisive measures to improve health outcomes, and is more concerned about policy inaction than about potential infringements on personal freedom.
The National Health Service (NHS) emerged as one of the top public concerns, ranking just below the cost-of-living crisis. The poll showed that more than half (53%) of respondents believe the overall health of the UK population has deteriorated in the past decade. Furthermore, a striking 77% said they recognised the need to live healthier lives.
The report’s findings reveal robust support across the board for proactive health interventions. Eight in ten respondents backed the idea of tougher regulations for landlords to ensure better living conditions – a key factor in health inequality – with just 4% in opposition.
Additionally, support was strong for policies aimed at early intervention and child welfare. Seventy per cent favoured programmes like SureStart, which offer early childhood development support, while only 6% expressed disapproval. Free school meals for all children attending state-funded schools also drew significant backing, with 67% in favour and just 15% against.
Efforts to curb unhealthy behaviours also found broad public approval. Sixty-five per cent supported a ban on junk food advertising in public spaces, while only 10% opposed it. On smoking, 61% supported extending the current ban to more public spaces, including outside hospitals and in playgrounds, with just under one-fifth (19%) opposing the idea.
Sebastian Rees, principal research fellow and head of health at IPPR, said the results “dismantle the long-held assumption that bold health policy is politically risky.”
“In reality,” he continued, “voters across the political spectrum see improving public health as a top priority and want the Government to do more to allow them to live healthier lives.”
Rees also highlighted that concerns around personal freedom – often raised in debates about government health interventions – were not a major issue for most respondents. In fact, when people were asked what worried them most about public health policies, only 26% mentioned restrictions on personal freedom. More pressing concerns included the potential ineffectiveness of policies and the risk of increasing everyday costs, each cited by around a third of respondents.
According to the report, even in focus group discussions, “concerns about personal freedoms or government overreach did not come up.” Instead, participants emphasised the need for meaningful and fair action.
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Mr Rees added: “The vast majority of people don’t see getting tough on the causes of illness as ‘nanny-statism’, but as a downpayment on the nation’s future health and wealth. Taking on powerful interests who undermine health – rogue landlords, toxic employers and junk food advertisers – is seen as both fair and necessary to this cause.”
In response, a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care welcomed the findings, saying: “This research confirms the British public wants bold action to tackle the root causes of ill health.
“For too long there has been an unwillingness to lead on issues like smoking, obesity and alcohol harm, but we are turning the tide. With strong public support for measures like restricting junk food advertising and creating the first smoke-free generation, we are shifting the focus from sickness to prevention through our ambitious 10 Year Health Plan.”
The study paints a clear picture: rather than fearing government overreach, the British public is ready for strong and transformative health policies – and they expect their leaders to deliver.
