The Independent argues that the chancellor has failed to win the support of the majority of the public: in its ComRes poll, 49% agree that the government is right to squeeze benefits, but "a surprisingly high 43% disagree and eight% say they don't know".
Labour has called government plans to squeeze benefits a "strivers' tax" which make a mockery of claims the Autumn Statement changes are fair.
But she, too, thought squeezing benefits would have little impact on numbers.
The latest survey, by ICM, found that 36 per cent agree that "squeezing benefits is fair, as wages for workers are also being squeezed," but that 58 per cent agree that squeezing benefits and tax credits is "unfair, as it will hurt the vulnerable, including many people who work hard for low pay".
Just 36% agreed with the coalition's argument that "squeezing benefits is fair, seeing as wages for workers are also being squeezed", whereas 58% inclined to the case made by the opposition that squeezing benefits and tax credits "is unfair, seeing as it will hurt the vulnerable, including many who people who do work hard for low pay".
And the latest Guardian/ICM poll does reveal growing doubts about this key plank of government strategy: just 36% agreed with the coalition's argument that "squeezing benefits is fair", compared with 58% who thought squeezing benefits and tax credits "is unfair, seeing as it will hurt the vulnerable, including many who people who do work hard for low pay".
Average real incomes fell by 3% last year and the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies believes they will fall again as wages are squeezed, benefits and tax credits cut and inflation increases.
The Treasury is trying to move the pendulum back towards investment and away from current spending, by - to simplify slightly - squeezing benefits payments and allocating the savings to infrastructure.
Local members always squeeze maximum benefit by fitting as many meetings and cups of tea as possible into a minister's day.
