Overall, low-income voters living in overshadowed towns and cities say they feel they are living in a rigged economy, trapped in an area lacking investment and attention. In comparison, those from core and freestanding cities and towns are more able to highlight opportunities and solutions for change. However, differences are also apparent between cities and towns in the North, Midlands and Wales that feel particularly left behind by the South and London. Moreover, there is also a difference within freestanding areas according to relative levels of deprivation; low-income voters in Southampton are more positive about their ambitions than those from Newport and Middlesbrough. Older participants reflect upon their areas’ decreasing presence in trade and manufacturing while younger adults tend to focus upon support and more opportunities to gain secure employment while balancing life pressures such as having a family. Overwhelmingly, the majority of low-income voters we spoke to want to see a shift of focus away from Brexit and onto the issues and struggles that affect them daily.

The full report can be read here.