It’s Called the "House of Commons", but How Common Are the UK Government with the People They Govern?

The UK government’s relationship with its citizens has undoubtedly worsened following the unveiling of the Autumn 2024 budget. Promising substantial changes, including tax adjustments, wage increases, and infrastructure investments, the budget has ignited widespread criticism, questioning whether it aligns with the needs and expectations of everyday Britons.

The Autumn 2024 budget introduced significant fiscal measures aimed at 'rebuilding the economy' and 'repairing the black hole of debt' left by the Conservative party during their tenure. Among these were:

1. A 1.2 percentage point rise in employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) starting April 2025, coupled with a reduction in the NIC threshold. While this aims to bolster public finances, it has faced backlash from businesses, particularly small enterprises, which view it as an added strain during an already challenging economic climate.

2. VAT on private school fees is set to begin in January 2025. Though minor exemptions have been introduced, critics argue it could increase educational inequality by pushing up costs for middle-income families​ & placing greater strain on state schools that do not have the funding to accept the extra students that will move from private to state-provided education.

3. The National Living Wage will rise to £12.21 per hour in 2025, a record increase. However, with inflation projected to remain above 2% for years, the real-world benefits of this adjustment are under debate.

4. A £33 billion increase in day-to-day spending by 2025/26, prioritizing health and education, alongside a £14.7 billion rise in investment spending. However, critics argue that the allocation is insufficient to address systemic issues that are affecting day-to-day life, such as NHS backlogs and teacher shortages​

A Common Government?

Sir Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner at a Labour Rally

The House of Commons, symbolically named as the voice of the people, is facing questions about its inclusivity and responsiveness. Polls reveal growing dissatisfaction among the electorate, with many perceiving policies as favoring large corporations and wealthier demographics. The government’s reluctance to reverse austerity-era cuts further fuels skepticism about its commitment to broader social equity.

As the UK navigates economic recovery amidst global challenges, the relationship between policymakers and the public they serve will remain pivotal.

Whether the current budget succeeds in bridging this gap or widens it further will shape not only economic outcomes but also the political landscape leading into the next general election.

A Disconnect Between Rulers and the Ruled?

The backlash against the budget feeds into a broader narrative that the government is increasingly out of touch. From controversial legislation to long NHS waiting lists, public frustration with Westminster has grown. Recent polls indicate that trust in politicians is at its lowest point since the expenses scandal of 2009.

One of the starkest indicators of this divide is economic inequality. The wealthiest 10% of households now own nearly half of the UK's wealth, while many working families rely on food banks. Critics argue that austerity-era policies have exacerbated this disparity, and the Autumn 2024 Budget did little to reverse these trends​.

The housing sector remains another flashpoint. Despite government promises of affordable housing, the availability of social housing has declined. Rent increases and stagnant wages have left millions in precarious living conditions, further fueling perceptions that Westminster serves the privileged few.

The term “House of Commons” implies governance by and for the common people. However, the composition of Parliament suggests otherwise. A 2023 report revealed that over half of MPs were privately educated, compared to just 7% of the general population, raising concerns about the extent to which lawmakers understand the realities faced by their constituents.

Conclusion

The House of Commons is meant to embody the voice of the people, yet mounting evidence suggests a growing gulf between policymakers and the public they serve. The Autumn 2024 Budget, with its mix of ambitious reforms and unpopular policies, underscores the challenges of governing in a time of economic and social upheaval.

As discontent grows, the government must grapple with a pivotal question: can it reconnect with the electorate and restore faith in representative democracy, or will it continue to be perceived as an elite institution disconnected from the common Briton?