After 14 years of Conservative Party rule in the United Kingdom, the state of public services has significantly deteriorated. In April, the NHS waiting list for treatment referrals in England reached 7.6 million cases, a threefold increase since 2010. The number of patients waiting for elective care is even higher, estimated at 6.3 million. Over 300,000 cases involved waits longer than 52 weeks, with some patients waiting more than 78 weeks. The median waiting time has increased to 13.9 weeks, up from 5.2 weeks in 2010. Accident and emergency wait times have also risen, with only 74 percent of people seen within the four-hour benchmark, down from 97 percent in 2010.
The deteriorating state of public services extends beyond healthcare. Councils across the UK are struggling financially, with many unable to balance their books. Per capita funding for councils has decreased by 18 percent since 2010. Homeownership has become less affordable, with the average house price reaching 8.3 times earnings in 2023, compared to 6.8 times earnings in 2010. Education spending per pupil has stagnated, while capital investment has plummeted by 25 percent.
The decline in public services has led to increased dissatisfaction among Britons. Only 67 percent of citizens said they were satisfied with public services, infrastructure, and the environment in 2023, down 12 percentage points from 2011. Trust in the government has also declined, with only around 20 percent of citizens trusting officials and politicians. This drop in satisfaction is especially pronounced in the UK compared to other Western European countries.
Overall, the UK is facing a significant crisis in public services, with funding cuts, longer wait times, and decreased affordability affecting citizens across the country. This decline in public services has contributed to growing discontent among the population, with many feeling disillusioned with the state of their country.