Polls show Brown losing public spending debate

Already behind in opinion polls, Brown has promoted Labour as being the best protector of public services, accusing the Conservatives of wanting to slash public spending.

A YouGov poll for the Policy Exchange think-tank, published in the News of the World, showed 29 percent of people trusted the Tories most to deliver value on public services, compared with 19 percent who favoured Labour.

The poll also found that 26 percent trusted the Conservatives most to provide the best quality public services, compared with 23 percent for Labour.

Public spending is to be a key electoral battleground before the next general election, which must be called before June.

Conservative leader David Cameron has said Britain's record level of borrowing during the recession meant the government was running the risk of defaulting on its debt.

His party has said health and international development spending should be protected, but warned cuts will be necessary to reassure international markets.

TOUGH CHOICES

Government borrowing is forecast to hit a record 175 billion pounds this fiscal year, more than 12 percent of GDP.

In a separate Sunday Times/YouGov poll, more voters want to cut public spending rather than raise taxes.