Voters of all parties want bold action on health – and don’t see it as part of a ‘nanny state’.

That’s one of the major findings of a new report from the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and Public First. The report, which squarely challenges the idea that the British public is resistant to government action on public health, has been welcomed by public health campaigners. The former Conservative health minister, Lord Bethell, said it reveals a “mounting anger” among the public towards corporations that profit from the damage they do to health of families and communities, and that a “day of reckoning” is approaching. 

IPPR says the research reveals how voters really feel about public health, and how thoughtful, decisive action could deliver not only a healthier nation, but a winning strategy at the ballot box. Far from fearing state overreach, the public wants the government to step up – both with stricter regulation and increased support for families and children.

The research found especially strong support for government action in four critical areas:

• Housing standards: 80 per cent support tougher rules for landlords to ensure healthier living conditions.
• Workplace health: 71 per cent believe employers should be held accountable for staff wellbeing.
• Food and drink regulation: 65 per cent back banning junk food advertising in public spaces.
• Children and schools: 70 per cent want to see more investment in early childhood programmes like Sure Start and 67 per cent support free school meals for all state school pupils.

Polling and focus group data reveal that voters across political divides see health as a fairness issue – not just a matter of personal responsibility, but of the environments shaping people’s everyday choices. Notably, the public holds the food and drinks industry more accountable for the nation’s health than even the NHS: 84 per cent of adults believe the industry bears a “great” or “fair amount” of responsibility for public health, compared with 79 per cent who say the same of the NHS.

Productivity gap
The data also shows a strong perceived link between health and the economy. Poor mental and physical health were the top public explanations for the UK’s slow productivity growth, ahead of Brexit, poor infrastructure or lack of investment. 83 per cent agreed that healthy people are more productive, and 66 per cent said investing in health grows the economy.

The report argues that health is a top-tier electoral issue, with voters ranking it just behind the cost of living as one of the most pressing challenges facing the country. Crucially, this interest is not just confined to traditional Labour voters – support for state action is strong in key marginal areas and among those whose support parties will need to win in 2029.

Sebastian Rees, principal research fellow and head of health at IPPR, said:

“These findings dismantle the long-held assumption that bold health policy is politically risky. In reality, 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.

“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.”

Day of reckoning is approaching
Commenting the report’s findings, the former Conservative health minister, Lord Bethell, said on LinkedIn: “Costs of living are a huge concern, for sure. There are also concerns about whether these interventions will be effective. But sensible people are not obsessed with “choice” and “rights” and “unintended consequences”, as we get from polluting industries and their cheerleaders in the media and parliament. 

“Most striking is the mounting anger towards corporations that damage our health and profit from the harm done to families, communities, and the country. There is a day of reckoning approaching. It’ll be smart politicians who can tap into these feelings of frustration and proffer workable solutions.”