Election a chance for parties to put trust at heart of matter
Date published:
The Chamber’s latest column for The Journal by Rhiannon Bearne, Chamber deputy CEO and executive director of policy and representation
A week ago the new British Social Attitudes (BSA) survey, one of the biggest and most well-regarded studies tracking key policy and social trends, delivered new insights into the state of the nation in this important election year.
The BSA described “significant changes in the public mood” as a result of political and economic turmoil since the last general election in 2019.
“…it appears that people’s trust in governments and politicians, and confidence in their systems of government, is as low now as it has ever been over the last 50 years, if not lower,” the survey said.
The BSA survey, published by the National Centre for Social Research, has been conducted annually since 1983, providing a continuous view of UK public opinion on key issues. Surveying nearly 6,000 adults, the survey found high levels of dissatisfaction in the way the UK is governed and low levels of trust in political parties to put the needs of the country first.
This matters because a growing body of evidence is proving that trust is at the heart of thriving places and businesses. Companies which foster cultures of trust and autonomy amongst their staff achieve higher levels of innovation and efficiency. They keep their people too – one of the biggest staffing challenges for businesses here right now.
Independent of politics, when people in the North East were asked in 2021 about aspects of democracy that were important to them, 78% identified treating people with respect, 66% identified having a voice in decisions that affect our communities and 73% said having trust in our public and local services.
People want to trust our leaders and institutions.
With the general election upon us, manifestos galore, and the endless stream of debates, interviews, speeches and media opportunities, all major parties have the chance not just to talk about trust but make it real for everyone right here in the North East.
As the region’s leading business representative body, we’ll be promoting that message above all others.
Whoever takes the helm on 5 July needs to work with us to restore that faith and make sure people once again feel they have a voice and a stake in the decisions that matter. They need to join us in a commitment to be a collaborative force for good in this great region.
They need to join us in the growth of a stronger, fairer North East.