Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Trust deficit in UK politics, election system widens: Survey

National Centre for Social Research study shows 45 per cent “almost never� trust governments to put the needs of the country before party

Trust deficit in UK politics, election system widens: Survey

An analysis by polling expert Sir John Curtice shows that the trust and confidence in the UK's politics and election system is at its lowest and needs improvement, according to media reports.

In his report for the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen), based on a survey done between September 12 and October 31 last year, 45 per cent of respondents never trust governments to put the needs of the country before party.


The report found that nearly half of those who voted to leave the European Union are now disillusioned with UK politics.

The percentage of Leave voters in the Brexit referendum who no longer trust governments has risen to 48 per cent, up from 25 per cent in 2020.

Nearly six out of ten (58 per cent) respondents said they never trust politicians of any party to “tell the truth when they are in a tight corner”. This is a 19-point increase from 2020.

The lack of trust is very high among those battling high costs of living (75 per cent), when compared with those who are economically better off (49 per cent).

This low level of confidence has boosted support for constitutional change, including a relook at the first-past-the-post system, the survey found.

More than half of voters (53 per cent) think the system of voting should be changed to help smaller parties get a fair share of MPs.

Nearly nine out of ten (86 per cent) respondents said they were dissatisfied with the NHS and needs improvement.

More For You

Rental insurance

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the government is “putting that right” after years of insecurity in renting

iStock

Renters’ Rights Act kicks in across England: What changes for money, access and daily renting

  • Section 21 evictions are scrapped, ending sudden removals without reason.
  • Rent hikes capped, upfront payments limited and bidding wars banned.
  • New enforcement powers and fines of up to £40,000 come into force.

From May 1, renting in England is operating under a completely new rulebook. The Renters’ Rights Act has come into force, bringing what is being described as the biggest overhaul of tenant protections in nearly 40 years.

Around 11 million private renters are now covered under the new law. The changes are not limited to one area. They cut across evictions, rent increases, discrimination, contracts and even day-to-day living conditions, marking a structural shift in how the rental market functions.

Keep ReadingShow less