Attitudes Towards Social Risks and Social Protection in the United Kingdom

Social spending has declined in the United Kingdom over the last decade or so reflecting efforts to limit public spending in the wake of the financial crisis. Using data from the 2022 OECD Risks That Matter (RTM) Survey a multi-country survey covering 27 OECD countries this report examines perceptions of social risks and attitudes towards social protection in the United Kingdom. Results point to a country that feels relatively vulnerable to social risks especially in comparison to several of its peers in the G7 and other wealthy OECD economies. Looking forward there is strong support in the United Kingdom for an expansion of social protection. Results are consistent with evidence from UK sources that suggest attitudes in the United Kingdom have been shifting in favour of increased taxation spending and redistribution.