Some 56% of the Dutch say they can live comfortably on their income, compared with 46% a year ago, according to an opinion poll on the eve of the budget.

The poll, carried out by Ipsos for broadcaster Nos, also shows that 63% of households have had to make savings this year, down from 67% a year ago.

However, despite the improvement in their personal fortunes, over six out of 10 people say they have not noticed a general improvement in the economy.

The cabinet still scores just 5.3 out of 10 for its performance, virtually unchanged on a year ago. And just one in five people think the cabinet has had a positive influence on the economy.