A YouGov tracker poll shows public opinion is shifting against the government's cuts. Only 38 per cent now think they will be good for the economy, compared to 47 per cent who think they will be bad.

Last year, it was roughly even between both views. And 57 per cent now think the cuts are being done unfairly while 72 per cent think the cuts are having an impact on their own lives, up sharply from 62 per cent in December.

The surveyors observed: "This is the first time we have asked our regular ‘cuts trackers' since the VAT rise came into effect, and it appears to have had a significant impact on public opinion."