Disabled people feel ignored by political parties, but will turn out to vote in general election for NHS

According to a recent survey conducted by a leading disability charity, some 79 per cent of disabled voters feel that the political parties have so far not focused enough on the issues that affect them. Despite this, 92 per cent say they are likely to use their vote and most state their key issue as the NHS and health.

The Papworth Trust surveyed more than 1,000 people about the top three issues for them in the upcoming general election. Some 72 per cent of respondents put the NHS and health in their top 3. The second most popular issue was immigration (in the top 3 for 46 per cent of respondents) followed by welfare (in top 3 for 34 per cent of respondents).

Of those questioned, 72 per cent said they were certain to vote and 92 per cent said they were more likely than not to vote. Feedback from the poll and from hustings is that many disabled people feel ignored and marginalised by politicians.

The Papworth Trust believes that the parties are missing a trick as there are 12 million disabled voters in the UK, and in such a tight election, every vote counts. The charity has hosted workshops to help people register to vote and held four hustings to enable them to question their local candidates.

Papworth Trust chief executive Vicky McDermott said: “Disabled people and their carers, family and friends can have a big political voice. The general election on 7 May will be a very exciting one, and we want everyone to have their say.

“We’d like to see the parties pledge more help for disabled people to get into work, and to be able to live in their own home.”

Disabled voters still have a chance to take part in the poll by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9TK97WY