Public support for founding principles of NHS is falling across UK population
Summary
Public support for the basic ideas behind the NHS—being free for everyone and paid through taxes—has dropped across the UK over the past five years. The biggest falls were seen among younger generations, especially Gen Z, partly due to economic difficulties and changing views on migration.Key Facts
- Support for the NHS being free for everyone and tax-funded fell between 2021 and 2025 across all age groups in the UK.
- The decline was most noticeable in older generations, with prewar-born people’s support dropping from 87.1% to 73.2%.
- Gen Z showed the largest decline in support for the NHS being paid for by taxes, falling by 11.2 percentage points.
- Despite the drops, 74.1% of Gen Z and at least 80% of other groups still believe the NHS should be funded through taxes.
- Economic hardship, high housing costs, student debt, and wage problems are factors believed to influence Gen Z’s views.
- Changing public attitudes toward migration may also affect the belief that the NHS should be available to everyone.
- Public satisfaction with the NHS is at a record low, making future government spending decisions harder.
- The NHS is facing pressure to balance health spending with costs for defense, social care, and education for special needs.
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