Stoke-on-Trent voters reveal election priorities

David Hampton thinks pensioners currently get a rough deal

Pensions, council tax help, and drug rehabilitation are among the issues voters in Stoke-on-Trent have told the BBC they want politicians to pay attention to ahead of the general election.

BBC Radio Stoke visited Hanley Bus Station and Hanley Market in Stoke-on-Trent with a magnetic leaderboard where voters can rank their top priorities.

Your Voice, Your Vote is running across the BBC to encourage people to share their stories as the nation goes to the polls.

David Hampton said a lot of pensioners were struggling and would like to see the state pension amount increased.

All this week BBC Radio Stoke will be speaking to people from across north Staffordshire and south Cheshire to hear about their priorities ahead of the general election.

Mr Hampton rated pensions as one of the issues he felt was most important.

“We get demonised as a pensioner for this, but in actual fact, when you add my pensions up I’ve got less than the minimum wage,” he said.

He believes people think pensioners live a blessed life, but that the amount of money they have to live on is often not enough.

Folake Ayeni believes people at the start of their careers should get more help with their council tax

Migrant Folake Ayeni said there needed to be more help with council tax for people starting their careers.

She believes many in a similar position to her struggle when they finish studying and get a job whilst supporting their families.

Kelvin Emery, a recovering drug addict, said more money should be invested into education, policing and rehabilitation.

People should be helped to come off drugs and stay clean, he said, adding that not enough was being done about it at the moment.

On Tuesday the team will be in Congleton. They will be at Congleton Train Station from 07:00 BST until 08:45, and at Congleton Outdoor Market from 09:15 until 13:00.

They will be in Crewe Market Hall on Wednesday, from 08:00-13:00.

On Thursday you can find them in Stafford, and in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday.

To hear more, tune in to BBC Radio Stoke or listen on BBC Sounds.