While major topics like the NHS and economy dominate party manifestos in the current election campaign, issues such as littering, shoplifting, assisted dying, income tax thresholds, and hunting receive less attention despite being important to many voters.
Overlooked Issues in Party Manifestos
In the current election campaign, major issues like the NHS, economy, and immigration are well-covered in party manifestos. However, several topics raised by the public, albeit less frequently, receive minimal attention.
Litter and Fly-tipping: Some residents, like Diane from Worcestershire and Christine from Surrey, express concerns about rampant littering and fly-tipping. The Conservatives propose making fly-tipping an offense penalized by points on a driving license, while Labour suggests offenders clean up their mess. Local councils primarily regulate these areas.
Shoplifting: Cases of shoplifting are reported near their highest levels in 20 years. Retail worker Allan mentions facing shoplifting and threats regularly. Though crime is broadly addressed in manifestos, specific measures against shoplifting are scarce. Labour proposes a specific offense for assaults on shopworkers.
Assisted Dying: Regions like Scotland and Jersey are contemplating legal changes on assisted dying. Opinions are divided, with Dame Esther Rantzen advocating a vote and Liz Carr opposing changes. The Greens support legal changes, while Conservatives and Liberal Democrats prefer a parliamentary free vote.
Income Tax Thresholds: Elizabeth from Cambridgeshire criticizes the freeze on income tax thresholds, arguing it impacts hardworking families. Labour, Liberal Democrats, and Conservatives plan to maintain the freeze for three years. Reform and the Workers Party propose raising thresholds but face funding questions.
Hunting: The ban on fox-hunting imposed in 2004 in England and Wales still brings strong opinions. Labour and the Greens aim to ban trail hunting, and both major parties seek to prohibit hunting trophy imports.
These issues, though less spotlighted, are significant for many voters.
