Student voters want older generation protected from austerity cuts

The majority of students want older people protected from the effects of austerity and showed strong support for the older generation, a poll of over 2,500 students registered to vote has revealed.

Over half of students felt pensioners should not lose some of their benefits to ease the financial burden on young people and 65 per cent had respect for ‘grey voters’ with a third feeling admiration for them.

National Union for Students (NUS) president Toni Pearce said: “I think it’s quite evident that current policies are designed to appease what people view as the most powerful part of the electorate. But actually students could be the determining factor in over a quarter of seats up and down the country. We have the power and days like today show that we will use it.

“More than half of students regularly worry about having enough money to meet basic living costs such as rent and utility bills. Students are facing an estimated average funding shortfall of almost £8,000 as the level of support available has failed to keep pace with the rising cost of living. It is the upfront living costs that are emerging as the number one concern for students.

“I think this will be a concern for grey voters too as most will put their children and grandchildren first when it comes to voting. Education will be a top priority for most voters this May.”

A poll released last year revealed 72 per cent of students are planning on voting and the majority feel it is their duty to vote. Sixty per cent claimed they feel unhappy at the prospect of the country being led by people they don’t trust, and two thirds thinks politicians should be held to account for their actions.