As the chancellor gambles on tax rises to fund the NHS, ePolitix.com has found that the public remains sceptical that money alone will cure the ills of the health service.

Alex, a marketing manager in Surrey, said the new money would deliver little in the way of improvements.

"I don't think they will do anything with it [the extra funds], although I think it is needed. I don't have much confidence in the government altogether," he said.

However, Sylvia James, a financial consultant in her 50s, agreed with the tax increases, but conceded that little change in the health service would result from them "unless they change some of the personnel running the NHS."

A black cab driver in his 50s argued against tax increases. "All money helps but they've got other problems. They are overflooded with patients," he said.

Neil, a civil servant, argued that extra revenues should be directed specifically to the NHS. "Hopefully it will make a difference," he said. "It will, as long as it goes directly to the NHS and not disappearing into a bigger pot."