Makerfield voters see cost of living and high street among top priorities, poll shows

Exclusive: Voters value changes ‘so we can afford to actually have a life’, as well as immigration policy and honesty in politicians Voters in Makerfield rank the cost of living, declining high streets and public services as among the most important issues locally, with many also disillusioned by the political system and distrustful of politicians, according to research. The findings – shared exclusively with the Guardian – come from a focus group commissioned by 38 Degrees and carried out by JL Partners. The fieldwork took place roughly two weeks before the byelection on 18 June, when the Greater Manchester mayor, Andy Burnham, is hoping to see off a challenge from Reform UK. In the poll, 112 residents of the Greater Manchester constituency were asked six open-ended questions which included their views on areas and changes they wanted prioritised, whether politicians should be bold or cautious, and what their message would be to their new MP. More than a third of people across party preference, age and gender spontaneously brought up the cost of living when asked what changes would make life for them and their families better. Respondents frequently mentioned the cost of household