Two-thirds of Britons are pessimistic about the future of the UK economy , new polling has suggested, as 70 per cent expect tax hikes in John Healey’s Budget.

Former defence secretary Mr Healey is under pressure to balance the country’s books as he prepares to delivers the f irst Budget of Andy Burnham’s premiership on Wednesday.

The chancellor is facing calls to ensure Britain’s military spending is ramped up, whilst also ensuring the string of pledges set out by the prime minister during his first weeks in office are fully funded with either tax hikes or billions in savings.

But new polling from IPSOS shows that 70 per cent of Britons believe it is likely the government will raise taxes they pay in the next year, compared with 17 per cent who think it’s unlikely.

Two-thirds of Britons think that the general economic condition of the UK will get worse over the next year, compared to just 14 per cent who think it will improve.

Meanwhile 67 per cent believe it is likely Labour will increase government…