Most UK taxpayers believe taxation on workers and business is too high, and want to see a smaller tax burden, displaying ‘shock and embarrassment’ when finding out how UK compares with EU and US competitors.

A survey of over 3,000 taxpayers by free market think tank, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) found Britons see energy costs (85%), high taxes (75%), and too much red tape (74%) as major barriers to growth.

Taxpayers are negative about prospects for the UK economy, citing wages as being too low (78%), a lack of investment in public services (77%), and companies prioritising profit (73%).